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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Thousands of e-prayers from Filipinos 'sent to God' - Israel tourism ministry

Thousands of e-prayers from Filipinos 'sent to God' - Israel tourism ministry

Published Apr 25, 2021 09:02 am

Thousands of e-notes containing prayers and wishes from Filipino Christian faithful have found their way into the historic Western Wall in Old Jerusalem amid the pain and sorrow brought about by the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, the Israel Ministry of Tourism announced over the weekend.

An e-prayer note being placed in the Western Wall in the historic Old Jerusalem

According to Sammy Yahia, Director of the Israel Ministry of Tourism for India and the Philippines, their office received thousands of notes from Filipinos soon after they launched the Western Wall e-note campaign during the Lenten Season.

In the said campaign, people were encouraged to send their prayers and wishes online and the Ministry of Tourism in Jerusalem will take the lead in placing the printed notes in the cracks of the wall which is considered as one of the most significant sites in Jewish tradition.

“We want to thank everyone who sent their messages in the Western Wall and inform those who sent their e-note that it had been delivered. We have received thousands of notes from the Philippines and believe that Israel is close to the hearts of the Filipinos. We hope to see you soon!” Yahia said in a statement.

The practice of putting notes refers to slips of paper containing written prayers addressed to God being squeezing in between the cracks of the Western Wall. It is said that if you leave a note at the Western Wall, your message and wishes will be heard as it is directly taken to God.

“We are amazed at the number of notes that were sent to us and I am delighted to place those notes on behalf of the Filipinos. We hope that all your notes will be answered!” said Katie Gordon, Asian desk, Israel Ministry of Tourism.

Data provided by the Israeli tourism ministry showed that around 34,000 Filipinos, mostly pilgrims, visited the Holy Land in 2019.

Related Tags

Israel Holy Week PILGRIMS HOLY LAND JERUSALEM WESTERN WAILING WALL
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