Is the Western Wall safe?

TEMPLE MOUNT WATCH: Western Wall not about to crumble, experts say after stone comes crashing down. Hebrew University academics emphasize that while constant monitoring and a early warning system are necessary, the monumental Herodian-era site should stay open to the public (Amanda Borschel-Dan, Times of Israel).

Speaking with The Times of Israel on Tuesday, Earth Sciences Prof. Simon Emmanuel and archaeologist Dr. Eilat Mazar both emphasized that rocks crumbling from the Western Wall is “very rare.” But there is a need for serious and continuous checks around the wall’s perimeter.

While the Robinson’s Arch egalitarian prayer platform remains closed to the public since the incident, neither academic saw a need to shutter the entire archaeological site or the Western Wall Plaza at this time.

Their view stood in contrast to the analysis of an archaeologist who visited the site on Monday afternoon and warned that the entire Western Wall is a “danger zone.”

The latter archaeologist is Zachi Dvira, whose view was noted in earlier media coverage.

As far as I know, the site is still closed to the public. If it reopens and you visit it, please be careful!

Background here.

Visit PaleoJudaica daily for the latest news on ancient Judaism and the biblical world.