Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Israeli Newspaper Publishes Obama's Western Wall Note
Cleveland leader ^ | July 25, 2008 | unknown

Posted on 07/25/2008 2:41:18 PM PDT by Daffynition

This week Barack Obama left a written prayer in the cracks of the Western Wall, one of Judiasm's holiest sites. The note was nabbed, and published in an Israeli newspaper on Friday.

The Maariv daily paper published the note in its entirety, which read:

"Lord - Protect my family and me," reads the note published in the Maariv daily. "Forgive me my sins, and help me guard against pride and despair. Give me the wisdom to do what is right and just. And make me an instrument of your will."

The decision to publish the note has already drawn fire, and Shmuel Rabinovitz, the rabbi in charge of the Western Wall, announced his displeasure with the decision, stating that publishing the note intruded on Obama's relationship with God:

"The notes placed between the stones of the Western Wall are between a person and his maker. It is forbidden to read them or make any use of them. The publication "damages the Western Wall and damages the personal, deep part of every one of us that we keep to ourselves," said Rabinovitz.

A second Israeli newspaper, the Yediot Ahronot, also claims to have obtained the note. They however decided not to publish it in respect of Obama's privacy.

Visitors to the 2,000-year-old Western Wall often leave notes with requests and prayers. Obama left his during a pre-dawn visit on Thursday.

In addition to publishing the contents of the note, Maariv also published a photograph. They claim that the note was removed from the wall by a Jewish seminary student immediately after Obama left.

The authenticity of the note is not yet being disputed. The handwriting appears to match a message Obama left Wednesday at Israel's official Holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem, and the note was written on stationary from the hotel as which he was staying, the King David Hotel.


TOPICS: Israel; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: jerusalem; middleeast; obama; obamasbigadventure; obamavisit

1 posted on 07/25/2008 2:41:18 PM PDT by Daffynition
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: Daffynition
Yeah! I'm sure he never even thought his note would be grabbed off and read...I call political BS.
2 posted on 07/25/2008 2:43:32 PM PDT by Gaffer
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Daffynition

The prayer itself is a good one.

He of course knew it would be snagged within minutes.

The press is almost universally shameless, so of course they were going to print it.


3 posted on 07/25/2008 2:44:49 PM PDT by marron
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Daffynition
1. I'm sure it was one of his own handlers that did it.

2. Shoving a piece of paper into a wall is retarded, anyway. And yes, I know that is offensive to people who worship bricks and mortar.

4 posted on 07/25/2008 2:45:06 PM PDT by Ron Jeremy (sonic)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Ron Jeremy
.........to people who worship bricks and mortar.

No offense meant, but you need to do some reading up on that wall....

5 posted on 07/25/2008 2:46:27 PM PDT by Brad's Gramma (Typical Whitey Gramma just like Obamies!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: All

A prayer to Obama would appear to be yet another campaign opportunity.

I would have preferred it remain unread - but no doubt he will be delighted.

The man does nothing that he does not wish known ‘by the world’ - as if he is in some Great Cosmic Play.


6 posted on 07/25/2008 2:48:32 PM PDT by imintrouble
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: marron; Gaffer

Press = useful idiots


7 posted on 07/25/2008 2:48:52 PM PDT by Daffynition
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: Daffynition
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2051161/posts
8 posted on 07/25/2008 2:50:27 PM PDT by ASA Vet
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Daffynition
Protect Me

Forgive Me

Help Me

Give Me

Make Me...

your will

I wonder why he will not italacize YOUR WILL out of respect. No, it is all about Mr.Obama.

Nevertheless, not my will, but Thy Will be done...there I fixed it for him.

9 posted on 07/25/2008 2:51:23 PM PDT by Texas Songwriter
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Daffynition

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2051161/posts


10 posted on 07/25/2008 2:53:23 PM PDT by xcamel (Being on the wrong track means the unintended consequences express train doesnt kill you going by)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Texas Songwriter

I feel like I should not have posted my previous remarks. Mr.Obamas’ relationship to God is not mine to judge. Sorry I made the previous remarks.


11 posted on 07/25/2008 2:54:47 PM PDT by Texas Songwriter
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

To: Brad's Gramma
No offense meant, but you need to do some reading up on that wall....

It's made of something else?

12 posted on 07/25/2008 2:55:18 PM PDT by Ron Jeremy (sonic)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: ASA Vet

Thanks. I searched every which way from Nobama and didn’t make a match B4 posting. ;(


13 posted on 07/25/2008 2:59:55 PM PDT by Daffynition
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: Gaffer

You are wise in the ways of the force, Luke.

Obama (and likely Axelrod) knew EXACTLY what would happen to that note.

And the world is fooled.


14 posted on 07/25/2008 3:04:57 PM PDT by F15Eagle (1 John 5:4-5, 4:15, John 11:25, 14:6, 1 Tim 2:5, John 3:17-18, John 20:31, 1 John 5:13, John 6:69)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Ron Jeremy; Alouette

They do not worship bricks and mortar. They believe they are there to build the Third Temple to the God of Israel.

In either 1973 (IIRC) one of the Israeli leaders or generals, said “this is the end of the third temple!). Because they thought they were going to be overrun and destroyed.

Perhaps Alouette can confirm.

Jews, of course, the majority, do not agree that Jesus was the Messiah as Christians do, but their prayers are towards God (Romans 11:25-29).


15 posted on 07/25/2008 3:09:20 PM PDT by F15Eagle (1 John 5:4-5, 4:15, John 11:25, 14:6, 1 Tim 2:5, John 3:17-18, John 20:31, 1 John 5:13, John 6:69)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: Ron Jeremy

They’re not worshipping THE WALL! Sheesh.


16 posted on 07/25/2008 3:10:29 PM PDT by Brad's Gramma (Typical Whitey Gramma just like Obamies!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: Texas Songwriter

Since it is doubtful that Obama has any relationship with God, I doubt you need to worry.


17 posted on 07/25/2008 3:13:03 PM PDT by Carley
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: F15Eagle

Any person who prays does not normally ask for anything for himself, other than strength and courage to face their challenges.

His note was all about himself.


18 posted on 07/25/2008 3:14:38 PM PDT by Carley
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: Carley

Yes, you and Songwriter got it right.

Obama’s note was “All About Me” (Tobey Keith) and his messianic complex.

Nothing about God protecting Israel from another Holocaust aimed at the Jewish people.

As a Jewish American, I say to my religious brethren. If you vote for this fool, you are voting for the destruction of Israel and open season all around the world against every Jew, followed by Christians, Hindus, etc.

NEVER AGAIN!


19 posted on 07/25/2008 3:21:53 PM PDT by MadMax, the Grinning Reaper
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]

To: Carley

I have no problem with prayers about self (and/or others).

It is Biblical to submit personal requests.

I just can’t believe the world is fooled by this planted note, knowing full-well the press would jump on it like a golden prize during this photo-op.

In Revelation 13 the False Prophet has two horns like a lamb (sounds Christian) BUT speaks as a Dragon (Satan).

Satan’s most clever trick will be to create a false messiah that seems christ-like, but works in opposition to the Word of God.


20 posted on 07/25/2008 3:22:32 PM PDT by F15Eagle (1 John 5:4-5, 4:15, John 11:25, 14:6, 1 Tim 2:5, John 3:17-18, John 20:31, 1 John 5:13, John 6:69)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]

To: Ron Jeremy

We don’t worship “bricks and mortar” any more than you worship a ‘70’s porn star. Or maybe you do worship a porn star.


21 posted on 07/25/2008 3:26:21 PM PDT by Alouette (Vicious Babushka)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: MadMax, the Grinning Reaper

As a Christian, I stand beside you...to the end.


22 posted on 07/25/2008 3:32:45 PM PDT by Brad's Gramma (Typical Whitey Gramma just like Obamies!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies]

To: Daffynition

I can’t believe he went to a sacred place and defiled it for the sake of a POLITICAL CAMPAIGN.

What a douche bag.


23 posted on 07/25/2008 4:22:56 PM PDT by Tzimisce (How Would Mohammed Vote? Obama for President!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Daffynition

Not to be sarcastic, but is this a wise thing for a muslim to do?


24 posted on 07/25/2008 4:53:08 PM PDT by Eaker (The urge to save humanity is almost always a false front for the urge to rule. (H.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Eaker
I think every politician does it, no matter their faith.


25 posted on 07/25/2008 5:00:37 PM PDT by Daffynition
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]

To: Daffynition

His is the only note I can remember being published, of all the “famous” people putting a prayer note in the wall. Too convenient.


26 posted on 07/25/2008 6:23:14 PM PDT by Lynne
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: MadMax, the Grinning Reaper
You know, in his book, "The Audacity of Hype" Mr. Obama states categorically, 'on matters of Israel and the Palastinians, I will side with the Palestinians'. I read that somewhere on FR as a direct quote from his book. Does anyone out there remember that statement from his book. Remember when Romney said he would not go against his forfathers and their faith. Well, Obama has said the same damn thing. We need to find that quote.

Rest assurred, Max, that there is an army of Christians who will stand with Israel 'until the last leaf falls'(quoted from "A Bugs' Life"). We will never forsake Israel.

27 posted on 07/25/2008 7:46:53 PM PDT by Texas Songwriter
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies]

To: marron

Why are you so sure?


28 posted on 07/25/2008 10:24:46 PM PDT by grantinev
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: MadMax, the Grinning Reaper

I can accept him going in private, and unobserved, if he felt he wanted to leave a prayer. Why would that be wrong? Would I prefer Obama did not pray? At any rate, so if he had gone in private, it would have been okay with me. It’s the spectacle that is wrong.

But how do I know he did not go in private and unobserved as well? So long as what I may have preferred would not be possible to verify, I think I will lay off criticising Obama here. I think the comments on this board are not worthy of freerepublic. Obama’s not a Muslim — he’s a certain kind of Christian and should be faced as he is. Those who do not want to do this (because of the fantasy that Obama is a Muslim) are not well preparing the country for the upcoming election. It is time for us to get real.


29 posted on 07/25/2008 10:34:46 PM PDT by grantinev
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies]

To: Daffynition
Second time I have seen his handwriting. Would love to see it analyzed. His signature (initials) was on the other note from him, looked nothing like the rest of the writing.
30 posted on 07/25/2008 10:43:27 PM PDT by Irish Eyes
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Daffynition

I’m offended they took out his prayer and also offended at some people on this thread mocking Jewish customs. Please don’t. Some Christian customs seem strange to outsiders too; let’s be kinder.


31 posted on 07/25/2008 10:45:13 PM PDT by Yaelle
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Lynne

Obama does not say that in Audacity of Hype. I’ve read the book. If he had, you would not be the only one searching for the quote.

You know, to base your geopolitics on the belief that an iron-age scribbling is the key to the modern world with its 4 billion year history is laughable, I’m sorry. You are entitled to your beliefs. But you are not serving your country if you recommend she solve her problems based on fantasy instead of reality.

The conversation on this board lurches into insanity. The goal should be the furthering of conservative principles. I’m saying let’s grow up.


32 posted on 07/25/2008 11:56:38 PM PDT by grantinev
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 26 | View Replies]

To: grantinev

I don’t think you’re replying to me.


33 posted on 07/26/2008 2:18:39 AM PDT by Lynne
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 32 | View Replies]

To: Yaelle

Seems to me that many people are saying that Nobama knew full well that his note would be found. I happen to agree. His handlers had to have known the holy significance of the Western Wall and imparted that to him [if he didn’t already know that on his own.]

Unless one is completely naïve about politics, of course the note was going to be exposed to the public. And for all we know, this might have been totally orchestrated by the Nobamaites. That’s who you should be exacting a pound of flesh from, because he could have gone in complete private, with no press.

Like the press, the Western Wall is being used to further the nomination and election of a Muslim. Disgraceful. Nothing is sacred in politics. I’d go so far to say this was a desecration.

Or perhaps it was a strong signal to Nobama that the Israelis don’t like his zig-zag stand on Jerusalem.


34 posted on 07/26/2008 2:31:46 AM PDT by Daffynition
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 31 | View Replies]

To: grantinev
Why are you so sure?

Sure of what?

You'll notice I didn't accuse him of any insincerity in at least this case.

The prayer itself is one that you or I could easily have said and probably have said many times. I don't doubt he has said that prayer with all sincerity. Maybe daily. Lord protect me. Lord lead me. Simple and sincere.

He is well aware of the symbolic importance of his visit to the wall. He probably crafted his note with that in mind, nevertheless it probably represents his sincere sentiments.

You or I could leave a note in the wall and it would sit there until the wind blew it away. Unless we were being followed by a retinue of reporters and cameramen looking for a scoop, in which case I'd have to be careful not to write something that might embarass me should it be printed on page one. What he wrote probably represented a real prayer, but he's not stupid. He knows its not going to be left in the wall. It'll either be printed, or put up for sale on Ebay. Or both.

If it was me, I probably would not write anything down, I'd just pray and leave it at that. But if I wrote it down, and I was being followed by a hundred reporters, I'd be careful what I wrote.

35 posted on 07/26/2008 8:55:00 PM PDT by marron
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 28 | View Replies]

To: Lynne

You’re right. That was meant for TexasSongwriter. Sorry.


36 posted on 07/26/2008 9:17:10 PM PDT by grantinev
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 33 | View Replies]

To: grantinev

No problem.


37 posted on 07/27/2008 7:25:44 AM PDT by Lynne
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 36 | View Replies]

To: marron

Sorry. I intended that comment for Ron Jeremy. Please excuse.


38 posted on 08/03/2008 12:34:26 AM PDT by grantinev
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 35 | View Replies]

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson