You can now place a digital note in Jerusalem’s Wailing Wall this Holy Week
Millions of tourists, including Filipinos, visit Israel especially during the Holy Week to take the journey to the land associated with Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.
Perhaps the most visited site in the country is Jerusalem’s Old City, home to three monotheistic religions—Judaism, Christianity and Islam—where the imposing Wailing Wall (also known as the Western Wall) is found.
The Wailing Wall is the most sacred site in Judaism, where, in normal circumstances, thousands of people from all cultures, religions and beliefs come to pour their hearts in prayer.
While at the Wailing Wall, there is a custom to write down one’s prayer or wishes on a piece of paper, fold the paper up, and slip it in the cracks of the wall. It is said that if you leave a note at the Wailing Wall, your message and wishes will be heard as it is directly taken to God.
Twice a year, these notes are said to be collected and buried at the nearby Mount of Olives to make room for more prayers.
Even with travel restrictions across the globe, Filipinos may still have this unique experience this Holy Week, albeit virtually, through the Israel Ministry of Tourism portal.
To place your digital note, visit the Ministry of Tourism website and fill out a form that asks for your name with your prayers or wishes. Once finished, click the “send” button. The submitted prayers will then be printed and will be placed by the ministry in the cracks of the wall.
According to the website, it will not use any information you key in for any use. It will also be announced on the ministry’s Facebook page once the e-notes have been physically placed in the wall.
“While Israel is still closed to international travel, we wanted to create a meaningful way this coming holy week for the Filipinos in which they can be inspired and connect with the spiritual sites that are abundant in our country,” said Sammy Yahia, Israel Ministry of Tourism director for India and the Philippines.
What are you praying for this Holy Week?