Following a joint tour of Kever Rochel, HaRav Shmuel
Rabinowitz, rov of the Kosel Maarovi and the Holy Sites, and
Central Headquarters Commander Gen. Ya'ir Naveh decided the
building would undergo renovations and repair work in the
coming months.
The tour was conducted on Erev Yom Kippur, following the
completion of the barrier fence and shortly before the
yahrtzeit for Rochel Imeinu o"h on 11 Cheshvan.
Other participants included Etzion Brigade Commander Col.
Nitzan Alon and the local unit commander, who spoke with
soldiers during the tour, handing out a sefer Tehillim
to each soldier.
HaRav Rabinowitz discussed problems related to modesty
arrangements at the site, such as the common point of entry
for men and women as well as the common entry to the small
men's and women's restrooms. He presented requests by
prominent rabbonim to make alterations to preserve the
sanctity of the site.
Gen. Naveh assessed the requests, saying the completion of
the barrier fence would make it possible to carry out
construction work on a reinforced set of restrooms at the
edge of the site, transforming the existing facilities, which
are currently undergoing renovation work, into restrooms for
women only. He said it would also be possible to make a
second entrance to the site to allow separate access for men
and women.
The army commanders briefed HaRav Rabinowitz and Gen. Naveh
on the security measures at the site as well as the IDF's
policy of allowing prayer at all hours. The Central
Headquarters Commander noted that the completion of the
barrier fence would allow free access to the site without the
need for bulletproof vehicles.
Rav Rabinowitz told Gen. Naveh about the difficulties
encountered by the large number of visitors who arrive on the
day of the yahrtzeit, saying the site's limited
capacity means visitors have to wait a long time before they
can enter. After inquiring into the matter, Gen. Naveh had
the IDF prepare to accommodate 3,000 people at the adjacent
square, in addition to the visitors inside.
