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Rav Shmuel Rabinowitz, rov of the Kosel and mekomos hakedoshim, has called on the Israeli Home Front Command to reconsider current restrictions limiting access for mispallelim at the Kosel following a recent High Court ruling regarding public gatherings.

In a letter addressed to Home Front Command chief Major General Shay Klapper, Rav Rabinowitz requested a reassessment of the guidelines governing entry to the Kosel plaza.

At the opening of his letter, Rav Rabinowitz expressed appreciation for the work of the Home Front Command, writing: “At the outset, I would like to express deep appreciation for your dedicated work and that of your personnel. The responsibility for protecting the home front and safeguarding every individual is a sacred mission, and on behalf of the entire Jewish people, I thank you for the devotion and professionalism that saves lives each and every day.”

He went on to reference the High Court ruling that directed authorities to allow large-scale gatherings for protests and demonstrations, while restrictions at holy sites—including the Kosel—have remained unchanged.

“I cannot understand why the right to protest is perceived as more important or more urgent than the right to pray,” Rav Rabinowitz wrote. “The Kosel is the beating heart of the Jewish people. Especially now, when our soldiers are fighting with great courage and under significant danger, the public needs to come to the holiest place that remains to us since the destruction of the Temple.”

Rav Rabinowitz argued that if the current security situation permits large public gatherings elsewhere, it should also allow for tefillah at the Kosel. “If the security reality allows hundreds of people to gather in public squares for protest, then all the more so Jews should be allowed to gather at the Kosel plaza!”

In closing, he called on authorities to revisit the restrictions and enable access for those wishing to daven, stating: “I ask that the guidelines be reexamined and that the faithful public be allowed to come to the Kosel and pray for the peace of our people, our land, and our soldiers, at least under the same conditions in which other gatherings are permitted. And even more so. Especially in these days, we must not forgo prayer, the source of strength and hope for all of us.”

{Matzav.com}

Rav Yitzchok Yosef, former chief rabbi and head of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah of Shas, sharply criticized a recent High Court ruling during his weekly shiur, drawing widespread attention after making forceful remarks about the judges in connection with their decision on protest limits in Tel Aviv.

Speaking at Yeshivas Or Hachaim in Yerushalayim, Rav Yosef addressed the court’s ruling on the number of participants permitted at demonstrations and strongly denounced the judges.

“Heretics and wicked people, Hakadosh Boruch Hu will destroy them, will kill them,” he said, as members of the audience responded, “Amen.”

At the end of the shiur, Rav Yosef clarified his earlier statement, stressing that he was not calling on anyone to take action, but rather referring to punishment from Heaven. “I did not mean that you should destroy them — Hakadosh Boruch Hu will give them the punishment.”

The remarks come amid ongoing public and political reaction to the High Court’s decision, which has sparked strong criticism in various circles.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch also condemned the ruling, stating: “The Supreme Court, in an outrageous, irresponsible, and reckless decision. The decision of the Supreme Court to allow a large-scale demonstration in Habima Square, contrary to the instructions of the Home Front Command and the police, is irresponsible interference that endangers public safety. To do this during wartime and hastily during Shabbat is detached and arrogant conduct. Instead of respecting norms and the professional judgment of the security authorities, the Supreme Court has given backing to a group of anarchists who are seeking chaos during a war.”

Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni also responded to the judiciary’s statements regarding considerations of “pikuach nefesh,” saying: “I suggest, therefore, appointing the Chief Rabbi as president of the Supreme Court. He at least understands the sensitivity and complexity involved in ruling on matters related to Shabbos and the sacred values of the Jewish people — matters in which even the greatest rabbis exercise great caution. In contrast, there are those who allow themselves to make far-reaching decisions, including harming the sanctity of Shabbos, based on detached and irresponsible considerations. This is not just a mistake. It is a deep disrespect for the tradition of Israel and the feelings of the public.”

{Matzav.com}