By COLlive reporter
New York City Mayor Eric Adams visited the Kotel in Jerusalem on Tuesday during an official visit to the holy land of Israel and said: “This Wall of Prayers is a symbol of hope.”
Adams, wearing a yarmulka and shades, was flanked by his Senior Adviser Joel Eisdofer, his friend Rabbi Chanina Sperlin, Executive VP of Governmental Affairs of the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council (CHJCC) and others.
The entourage was welcomed by Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz and Mordechai (Suli) Eliav of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, who explained the significance of the holy site for the Jewish people and the nation’s yearnings for it throughout the generations.
“We will continue to fight against anti-Semitism worldwide,” Adams pledged during the visit. “New York City has one of the largest Jewish populations outside of Israel. As the mayor of New York City, I want to send a clear message from here, the home of the Jewish people, and to strengthen our resolve to combat anti-Semitism. After touring the Old City among the different religions, the understanding is reinforced that we must find a way to live together side by side.”
Following this, Mayor Adams signed the guestbook: “As we gather for our wishes, let us have a universal understanding, we can not reach our goals unless we reach them together.” He later joined a reception, overlooking the Kotel and Har Habayis, from the Aish Hatorah building.
During the visit, Adams met with political and business leaders to discuss possibilities for cooperation between New York City and the State of Israel in technology, innovation, and tourism. Adams, a self-professed vegan, got to taste Israeli lab-grown meat.
Adams toured the popular outdoor market Shuk Machne Yehuda with Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion.
He also met with protestors against the judicial reforms led by the administration of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he has separately met for a meeting.
But when asked about his opinion, Adams told IsraelNationalNews.com that he does not believe it is his place to interfere in matters of internal Israeli politics.
“I think the people of Israel will determine their destiny,” Adams said during a briefing to reporters on Tuesday. “I wouldn’t want others to tell me how to run” New York City, he noted. “We should all watch history play out … not to interfere, but to learn. I think the people of Israel should make the determination of how to move forward.”
Showing respect to Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, Adams added: “Democracy is not easy. It is only by confronting our differences that we can emerge stronger.”
Adams also thanked “the people of Israel” for the “extremely warm” reception and hospitality he has received, and stated that New York City and the State of Israel have “an unbreakable bond … and we are going to continue to build on that.”
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What metric is used to determine whether it is genuine respect or just plain respect?
This mayor who was the former Brooklyn Borough President and before that our NYS Senator has always worked with the Jewish community from day ONE. And, he has always included Jews on his staff and as advisors, some who have served with him now for years and are very loyal for good reason; they know he means what he says. If his efforts were not sincere they would not still be on staff period, so as the saying goes a little lchaf zchus goes a long way.
Useless mayor and governor . Vote them out
Genuine respect would be when your leaders fight for community interests rather than their own. Eric Adams upcoming “City of Yes” (NYC Land Use Plans) is a push for more supportive housing(homeless), studios and one bedroom apts, but ignores 3BR apts for families. Eric Adams wants to get rid of on-street parking which muti-generational families need. It’s nice to see politicians promoting each other, while the community gets crumbs.
Jay from LI
He said israel should make its own decisions. Said he wouldnt want others telling him how to run nyc.
He got my respect for saying this
What a shame biden and biden’s officials dont have this healthy approach
Mayor Adams makes no secret of his close friendship and political alliance with Al Sharpton, YM”SM. Visiting the Land of Israel 32 years to the date of the Crown Hts Pogrom to pow-wow on how to combat anti-Semitism reeks of mockery. In case, anyone forgot: Al Sharpton, YM”SM is responsible for turning a tragic accident into a full-fledge 4 day Pogrom on August 19, 199. I’ve written and spoken extensively over the years about the Pogrom and was a leader in advocating for our families safety and police protection back then. Justice was not served and somehow Sharpton has never… Read more »
This trip has nothing to do with 32 years ago. We can not judge what someone does today by a barometer of the past; We are raising a new generation and this Mayor is going out of his way to do what he can to garner the tools and understanding to deal with the situation today; which is among many other issues anti-Semitism. He is going to Israel to give support to our Jewish homeland and connect with the people. Our so called President had several years to do this and couldn’t care less, so lets give a little credit… Read more »
There’s a reason people are judged by the company they keep.
And, you’re right a picture does, indeed, tell a thousand words – remember that one the next time you see Adams hanging with the Rev…
and when the other enemies of C’lal Yisroel are looking to take advantage of our goodwill.
Tamar Adelstein, Coordinator
Crown Hts Women for the Safety & Integrity of Israel