Last night (Wednesday), the first night of Chanukah was marked with reverence and joy throughout the Old City of Jerusalem, at the Kotel (The Western Wall) and at the lesser-known yet profoundly significant Kotel HaKatan — the Little Western Wall. While the Western Wall Plaza, with its iconic 57-meter stretch of exposed stones, touches the hearts of so many, the entire Western Wall of the Temple Mount extends an impressive 488 meters. A hidden treasure, the lower levels of the wall can be seen within the Western Wall Tunnels, but there are also areas, like the Little Western Wall, where it is accessible under the open sky.
Located a short walk from the Western Wall Plaza, the Kotel HaKatan is a place steeped in history and spiritual significance. As visitors approach, they pass by the Cotton Market Gate, catching a view of the Dome of the Rock. This vantage point provides the closest possible glimpse (without ascending the Temple Mount itself) of where the Kodesh HaKodashim—the Holy of Holies—once stood during the days of the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) nearly 2,000 years ago.
The Little Western Wall is a site rich with tradition and mysticism. Over the years, it has been associated with appearances of Eliyahu HaNavi (Elijah the Prophet), and its ancient stones have borne witness to the prayers and dreams of countless visitors. During Chanukah, this inspiring site is brought to life by candle-lighting ceremonies organized by Ateret Cohanim, a nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing Jewish life in and around the Old City of Jerusalem. Each night different dignitaries, famous personalities, and Knesset members are honored at the candle lighting – a testament to the enduring legacy of Jerusalem and the miracle of Chanukah.
Last night’s ceremony was graced by the presence of Israeli Ambassador to Panama, Ezra Cohen, and his wife Linda. The glow of the menorah’s candles, set against the ancient stones of the Little Western Wall, symbolized not only the triumph of light over darkness but also the eternal bond between the Jewish people and Jerusalem.
Executive Director of Ateret Cohanim, Daniel Luria, said “This Chanukah maybe more than any other time, is a time for miracles…we are living literally in a period of miracles. Who would have thought that Hamas would be destroyed, Hezbollah would be destroyed; there is no more Syrian army. We want more miracles, Hashem (God), I call out that we should all be davening (praying) that the hostages are freed. We need them all home not tomorrow, today, now. We need them all healthy, as many as possible. This is a serious war that is going on. The war is over Jerusalem then and now. The Maccabees understood what the battle was about, and it didn’t make a difference how many Greeks were against them and they were successful. We too are going to be successful…”
Ambassador of Panama, Ezra Cohen said, “Today is the first night of Chanukah, and a month ago, we visited Tel HaShomer Hospital where we were met with soldiers wounded from the war. I met one soldier, who lost one leg, who told me when he finished healing, he would go to the Paralympics because he continues to fight, not only the physical fight but also the spiritual fight. We as the Jewish nation, we need to bring light…May the light of the candles of Chanukah be light to the People of Israel and light to all the nations.”
Leah Bowman is licensed tour guide in Israel and has a MA in Religion and Politics in the Middle East from Bar Ilan University.
