Western Wall “Too Controversial” for Bush Visit

bs”d

The Western Wall has been deemed too controversial a place for US President George W. Bush to visit. He is reportedly considering Masada instead – where Jewish resisters to Roman occupation committed mass suicide in the first century rather than live under Roman slavery.

Bush will be visiting Israel as part of Israel’s 60th Independence Day celebrations. His visit will be 60 hours long. In addition to addressing the Knesset, Bush is reportedly searching for a symbolic location to visit, with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as his tour guide.

According to one report, the Golan Heights, the Cave of Machpela in Hebron along with the Western Wall were all considered “too controversial” and rejected for the Bush itinerary.

The Bushes also want to connect with the Biblical prophecy of the ingathering of the exiles first-hand. White House staffers report that the Bushes are looking to meet with recent olim (Jewish immigrants to Israel) during the visit.

Bush will not be visiting Palestinian Authority-controlled areas or meeting with PA officials during his visit to Israel, but will hold a meeting with Fatah chief and PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas in Egypt afterward.

Re-posted with permission from www.lekarev.org.