JNS
The Israel Antiquities Authority is pushing back against the country's chief rabbis’ objections to the display at the airport of a 2000-year old, 5-ton stone from Judaism's holiest site.
The Western Wall, or at least a piece of it, has come to Israel’s main airport.
A 5-ton stone from Jerusalem’s Western Wall, dating back over 2,000 years, has been placed on display at Israel's Ben-Gurion International Airport. Originally part of the retaining wall surrounding the Temple Mount during King Herod’s reign, the stone fell during the Roman destruction of the Second Jewish Temple in 70 CE.
Previously exhibited at Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, the boulder was recently moved as part of the year-long exhibition, “The Eternity of Israel.” Similar stones from the historic site are housed at the President’s Residence, the Israel Museum and other national institutions.
The exhibit, coordinated by the Israel Antiquities Authority and Israeli Heritage Ministry, is strategically positioned near the departures area opposite the posters of scores of Israelis still held hostage in Gaza. Alongside the stone are artifacts such as a Hasmonean coin hoard, ancient arrowheads and archaeological evidence of biblical figures. Additionally, a box for notes—later placed in the actual Western Wall—allows travelers a final prayer before departure.
Despite the exhibit’s historical and emotional significance, the relocation of the stone has sparked controversy among religious authorities. Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz and Israel’s Chief Rabbinate have demanded the stone’s return to its original site, citing its sacred status.
“The Western Wall stones are sacred, and with all the desire to showcase Jewish history and Israel’s heritage, the Western Wall stones should not be removed for this purpose,” Rabinowitz wrote in a letter to Heritage Ministry officials. Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Kalman Ber reinforced the sentiment, stating that such stones should not be treated as museum artifacts. The chief rabbis are expected to issue a formal declaration on the matter.
The IAA, however, remains firm in its decision, noting that the stone was previously displayed at the Knesset without controversy. It emphasized the exhibition’s role in highlighting Jewish resilience over millennia.
“It is right and proper that the Temple Mount stone be displayed in a dignified manner in the exhibition, which showcases the resilience of our people and their ability to overcome any obstacle throughout 3,000 years of history,” the authority stated.
As Israel prepares for the busy travel season with 1.8 million passengers expected through April, the display is likely to be the country’s most-viewed exhibition. For many travelers, the Western Wall stone evokes deep emotions.
“We were really surprised to see the stone here, and it is very moving,” said Dafna Aminov from Petah Tikva. “When we leave Israel, it is important to never forget where we came from and where we are coming back to,” added her husband, Ilan.
For others, the stone’s presence at the airport is a profound reminder of their heritage. “There is nothing like stones from our history,” said Dani Alon from Kfar Saba.
While debate over the stone’s relocation continues, its presence at the airport has already left a strong impression on travelers. As one passenger put it, “Sometimes we visit the Kotel, but this time the Kotel came to us.”
