A new exhibition at Israel's Ben-Gurion International Airport has sparked controversy following the placement of a 5-ton stone from Jerusalem's Western Wall at the busy travel hub.
The stone, which dates back over 2,000 years, is a remnant of the retaining wall that surrounded the Temple Mount during King Herod’s reign. It was dislodged during the Roman destruction of the Second Jewish Temple in 70 CE.
Previously housed in the Knesset the stone has now been relocated as part of a year-long exhibition titled The Eternity of Israel.
The display, located near the departures area at the airport, includes several artefacts from Jewish history, such as a Hasmonean coin hoard, ancient arrowheads, and archaeological evidence linked to biblical figures.
Visitors can also leave a note for the Western Wall, which is later placed at the actual site in Jerusalem, allowing for a moment of prayer before departure.
While the exhibition is a testament to Israel's historical and cultural resilience, the relocation of the Western Wall stone has ignited a row between the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) and religious leaders.
Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz and Israel’s Chief Rabbinate have publicly condemned the move, calling for the stone’s immediate return to its original location.
In a letter to officials at the Heritage Ministry, Rabbi Rabinowitz expressed his dismay, stating: "The Western Wall stones are sacred, and with all the desire to showcase Jewish history and Israel’s heritage, the Western Wall stones should not be removed for this purpose."
Rabinowitz’s letter concluded with a formal request for the stone to be removed from the airport and returned to its rightful place at the Western Wall area.
Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Kalman Ber echoed his sentiment, stressing that such religiously significant stones should not be treated as museum artefacts. Both the chief rabbis are expected to issue a formal declaration in the coming days regarding their position on the matter.
However, the IAA is standing firm in its decision to exhibit the stone, pointing out that it was previously displayed at the Knesset without objection.
The agency emphasised the importance of the exhibition in highlighting the resilience of the Jewish people throughout history. “It is right and proper that the Temple Mount stone be displayed in a dignified manner in the exhibition, which showcases the resilience of our people and their ability to overcome any obstacle throughout 3,000 years of history,” a spokesperson for the authority stated.
As the busy travel season approaches, with 1.8 million passengers expected to pass through Ben-Gurion Airport this month, the stone’s placement is likely to make it one of the most-viewed exhibitions in Israel. And for many travellers, the sight of the stone is a deeply emotional experience.
“We were really surprised to see the stone here, and it is very moving,” said Dafna Aminov, a traveller from Petah Tikva. Her husband, Ilan, added: “When we leave Israel, it is important to never forget where we came from and where we are coming back to.”
Likewise, Dani Alon from Kfar Saba remarked: “There is nothing like stones from our history. It brings you closer to the past and strengthens your connection to your heritage.”
Despite the ongoing debate, the exhibition has already made a lasting impression on many. “Sometimes we visit the Kotel, but this time the Kotel came to us,” one passenger commented.
