Wall rabbi: Obama’s note ‘private

The Western Wall rabbi condemned an Israeli newspaper for publishing a note Barack Obama left in the Wall.

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The Western Wall rabbi condemned an Israeli newspaper for publishing a note Barack Obama left in the Wall.

Sen. Obama (D-Ill.), the presumptive Democratic nominee, visited Israel this week and before leaving early Thursday morning, prayed at the Wall, the largest remnant of the Second Temple and the holiest site in Judaism.

A yeshiva student pulled the note, handwritten on King David Hotel stationery, out of the Wall, and Ma’ariv published it: “Lord, Protect my family and me. 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 Wall’s rabbi, Shmuel Rabinovitz, said Friday that publication of the note violated Obama’s privacy.

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