Update on Kever Rochel, a'h

Protection walls around Kever Rochel, a'h, will be completed in a few days, b'h, says CEO Defense Officer Gabi Ashkenazi.[+/-] show/hide text

A month ago, responsibilitity of Rochel Imenu's Kever was transferred from the IDF to the PA and police and Jews were free to go to Kever Rochel without authorized permission from the IDF. Ilan Franco, Chief Police of Jerusalem said that it is not yet possible to travel to Kever Rochel without bulletproof buses and protected cars till they complete erecting protection walls around Kever Rochel.

2 days before Rosh Hashana, the material to complete the job was brought to Kever Rochel but it is not yet finished. Gabi Ashkenazi informed the Kotel Rav, HaGaon Shmuel Rabinowitz Shlita, that soon the job will be completed and there will be no need to travel to Kever Rochel with bullet proof buses. In addition, he said that it is also necessary to place guards around the area.

HaRav HaGaon Shmuel Rabinowitz Shlita did not accept the delay and said "It is not possible that the job of erecting protection walls is preventing Jews to visit the holy site of Rochel Imenu and therefore, does not allow her sons to have free access to daven at her Kever. This minor job is preventing many Jews to visit. Before the Intifida, Jews had much easier access to go to the holy site of Kever Rochel".

Gabi Ashkenazi, together with Mr. Netzach Mashiach decided to go to Kever Rochel on HoShana Raba. There, they met top police officials and discussed the situation and the completion of building the protection wall. They promised within a few days, the execution of the work will begin and by 11 Cheshvan, the Hillula of Rochel Imenu, most of the work will be done.