CENTCOM Commander Visits Kosel for First Time, Offers Prayer for Peace

As his tenure nears its conclusion, General Michael Kurilla, Commander of the United States Central Command, made a significant visit to the Kosel on Friday morning, marking his first time there despite having visited Israel 40 times.

During the visit, General Kurilla prayed at the ancient stones, leaving a message of hope in the guest book. He was welcomed by the Rav of the Kosel and mekomos hakedoshim, Harav Shmuel Rabinowitz, and the director of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, Mr. Mordechai (Suli) Eliav. According to a statement from the Foundation, the hosts “explained the sacred site’s deep significance to the Jewish people, as a center of prayer, hope, and yearning through the generations, and its particularly profound meaning in these difficult times for the people of Israel.”

Rav Rabinowitz and Mr. Eliav “expressed their gratitude to the general for his steadfast and determined support of the State of Israel.”
The visit included joint prayers offered by the General and the Rav. The prayers were offered “for the success of the armies of Israel and the United States, for the safety of soldiers and security forces, for the return of the hostages, and for peace in both Israel and the United States.”

A poignant personal exchange took place during their conversation. The rabbi told the general “that G-d would repay him for his great assistance to the Jewish people and the State of Israel.”

The general “responded emotionally,” sharing a personal conviction. “My mother always told me that for my support of Israel, G-d will repay me,” he said.

In addition to his prayers, General Kurilla toured recent developments at the site, including “the new ‘Sha’ar Hashamayim’ presentation, recently opened to the public, as well as the new excavations beneath the Western Wall Plaza.”
There, he was shown “impressive archaeological findings from the Bayis Sheini period uncovered at the site.”

At the conclusion of his visit, the general followed the timeless tradition of placing a personal note between the stones of the Wall. He then signed the official guest book with a simple, powerful message: “Thank you for a fantastic visit to the Western Wall. May you find peace.”