- By Supratik Das
- Fri, 13 Jun 2025 04:03 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A day before targeted attacks on Iran's nuclear sites, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Jerusalem's Western Wall and attached a handwritten note containing a strong biblical phrase, "People that rise up as a lioness, and as a lion lift themselves." The move was strongly symbolic, reflecting the title of Israel's military campaign, "Rising Lion". Netanyahu's message, left at the holiest place, quoted a verse in the Book of Numbers, which is generally read as a call to courage, God's strength, and national strength.
What Is The Western Wall?
The Western Wall, also called the Wailing Wall or the Kotel, is one of the few remains of the Second Jewish Temple destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. In Jerusalem's Old City, it is the holiest prayer site of Judaism believers. For centuries, people have prayed and left written wishes or prayers, called kvitel, into its old stone crevices. The practice reflects the deep spiritual connection with the Temple Mount, also home to Islamic religious sites such as the Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. The site is imbued with religious and geopolitical meaning, frequently at the eye of controversies and religious fervor.
How to Leave Note At Western Wall
Judaism preachers as well as tourists from around the globe pen prayers, wishes, and hopes most commonly for peace, good health, or personal direction on tiny pieces of paper and gently insert them into the cracks of the Wall.
This is how it's done respectfully:
• Dress Modestly: Men usually cover their heads with a cloth or kippah, which is frequently available at the site; women should dress modestly.
• Gender Segregated Areas: Men should go to the men's section and ladies to the designated women's section.
• Pray in Silence: Since the Western Wall has great spiritual value, it is crucial to speak quietly or in hushed tones. It is a place for prayer and introspection.
• Departure from the Wall: It's a tradition to depart facing the Wall as a sign of respect, never turning your back on the sacred site.
Israel Pounds Iranian Nuclear And Missile Facilities
On Friday, only hours after Netanyahu's prayer, Israel began Operation Rising Lion, its widest-scale aerial assault on Iranian territory yet. More than 200 warplanes and 100 drones attacked Iran's most important military and nuclear sites, including uranium enrichment plants at Natanz and Fordow, missile storage facilities, and residences of high-ranking military commanders. Israel's Defence Forces (IDF) stated the attack was intended to disable Iran's nuclear programme, adding that top nuclear scientists and commanders were also hit. "This is the first stage," said one high-ranking Israeli defence official to The Jerusalem Post, hinting at the possibility of further operations. In a video message following the strikes, Netanyahu stated, "We struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment programme… We will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat." The Prime Minister's decision to leave a message invoking the lion, an age-old symbol of strength and survival, was interpreted by many as a personal prayer and political signal.
As the Middle East prepares for further escalation, Israeli army chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir cautioned citizens to prepare for Iranian retaliation. To this, Tehran has placed its missile defense on full alert and promised a "harsh and calculated" counterattack. In the meantime, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has asked all Indian nationals to remain at home and avoid travel unless essential during the evolving crisis.