US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff made a deeply symbolic walk to Jerusalem’s Western Wall, offering heartfelt prayers for the release of hostages and the end of the war, as Israel marks the solemn fast of Tisha B’Av.
Jerusalem — In a moving gesture of solidarity ahead of the Tisha B’Av fast, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff walked on foot from his Jerusalem hotel to the Western Wall Plaza, blending diplomacy with deep spiritual symbolism.
Upon arrival, Witkoff was warmly welcomed by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, who spoke about the Wall’s enduring role as the heart of Jewish prayer, longing, and hope — particularly during these trying days for Israel.
Rabbi Rabinowitz expressed gratitude for Witkoff’s unwavering support of Israel and his efforts to secure the release of hostages, calling it “one of the greatest mitzvot in Judaism.”
Public Gratitude at a Sacred Site
Witkoff’s presence drew dozens of worshippers, who greeted him with appreciation for his visible commitment to Israel’s well‑being. Many stopped to thank him personally, underscoring the strong emotional bond between the envoy’s mission and the Israeli public.
Immersed in Jerusalem’s Story
The envoy toured the recently opened “Gateway to Heaven” (Sha’ar HaShamayim) exhibit — a multimedia experience that traces the Jewish people’s unbroken connection to Jerusalem across millennia. He also visited the newly excavated areas beneath the Western Wall Plaza, where rare archaeological finds from the Second Temple period were recently uncovered.
A Prayer for Peace
Standing before the ancient stones, Witkoff offered a personal prayer for the safe return of hostages and for an end to the ongoing war. He placed a note in the Wall’s crevices — a tradition of countless pilgrims — and signed the Western Wall guest book with a simple but powerful message:
“I pray for the hostages and for the end of the war.”
