On his last trip as CENTCOM commander, General Michael Kurilla made an emotional first visit to the Western Wall, praying for Israel’s safety, the return of hostages, and lasting peace.
Jerusalem — In a symbolic and deeply moving gesture at the close of his tenure, General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, Commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), visited the Western Wall on Friday morning, marking his first time at Judaism’s holiest accessible site despite 40 prior visits to Israel.
Welcomed by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, and Mordechai (Suli) Eliav, director of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, Kurilla was briefed on the Wall’s enduring significance as a place of prayer, hope, and resilience for the Jewish people — especially poignant amid the current security challenges.
The rabbi and Eliav thanked the general for his steadfast military and moral support of Israel throughout his service. Together, they offered prayers for the success of the U.S. and Israeli militaries, the safety of soldiers and security forces, the swift return of hostages, and for peace in both nations.
Rabbi Rabinowitz told Kurilla that God would repay him for his unwavering assistance to the Jewish people. Fighting back emotion, the general replied:
“My mother always told me that for my support of Israel, God will repay me.”
First Prayer at the Western Wall
Although Kurilla has been to Israel dozens of times during his career, this marked his first-ever visit to the Western Wall. He placed a handwritten note between its ancient stones, a traditional act symbolizing personal prayers left in God’s presence.
Touring History Beneath the Plaza
The general toured the newly unveiled “Gateway to Heaven” presentation and descended to the Western Wall Plaza’s underground excavations, where archaeologists have uncovered remarkable relics from the Second Temple period. These findings, officials explained, illuminate the Jewish people’s unbroken connection to Jerusalem.
A Farewell Marked in Faith
Before departing, Kurilla signed the Western Wall’s guest book with a personal message:
“Thank you for a fantastic visit to the Western Wall. May you find peace.”
The visit, blending faith, history, and alliance, served as a powerful closing chapter to Kurilla’s term — reaffirming the deep strategic and spiritual bond between the United States and Israel.
