New York Mayor Eric Adams arrived today (Tuesday) at the Western Wall, as part of his official state visit to Israel. He was welcomed by the Rabbi of the Western Wall and the Holy Sites of Israel Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch and the CEO of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation Mordechai (Soli) Eliav, who explained to him the importance of the holy place for the Jewish people as well as the longing that has endured through generations.
During his visit to the Western Wall, Adams pledged that "we will continue to fight anti-Semitism in the world. New York City has one of the largest Jewish populations outside of Israel. As the mayor of New York City, I want to send a clear message from here, the home of the Jewish people, and strengthen our resolve to fight Anti-Semitism. After touring the old city among the different religions, the understanding is strengthened that we must find a way to live together side by side."
After that, Mayor Adams signed the guest book and wrote: "this prayer wall is a symbol of hope. When we meet during this visit, let's understand together that we will not be able to achieve our goals, unless we all work on them together."
Earlier today Adams met with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem. At the meeting, the two discussed the fight against the phenomenon of anti-Semitism and economic and technological collaborations that will strengthen the important relationship between New York and Israel.
"We will work together to strengthen the economic relationship between Israel and New York. Israel and New York are connected both because of the largest Jewish community in the world living in the city, and also because of the significant presence of Israeli companies in New York," Cohen said at the end of the meeting. I told Mayor Adams that Israel greatly appreciates his activity and efforts to combat anti-Semitism. We must continue to act in all ways to fight the phenomenon of anti-Semitism that rears its head."
