The United States (US) Vice President Mike Pence marked the end of his the Middle East with an ‘inspiring’ visit to the Holy Western Wall in Jerusalem. His last stop in Israel since he landed on Sunday was marked with several highlights that made headlines for the three days Pence was in the country.
Highlights of the Tour
On Monday, pence visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial where he paid tribute to the six million Jews murdered during World War Two. Conspicuous during his visit was the Palestinian distastes for his presence in Israel following the December 6 Trump declaration – America recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital – a fact that angered Arab and Palestinian leaders.
Before his speech at the Knesset (Israel’s parliament) Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu praised Pence for his unwavering support for Donald Trump and his administration. Netanyahu termed him as a ‘great friend’ and declared Israel’s support for America.
Pence’s speech also praised Israel for its support to American agendas. He confirmed Americas December 6 declaration and said that the American embassy would be moved from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem before the end of 2018. Palestinian leaders tried to protest while Pence was giving his speech but were whisked away. Pence reassured Israel of United States’ commitment to acting as a mediator for the Israel – Palestine peace talks – a fact Palestines have refuted.
Western Wall Plaza Visit
Mike Pence visited the Western Wall to pray accompany by the 2nd lady. They were both inducted by the guides at the wall before they went to pray separately. The area was cleared four hours before his visit and a tent erected for privacy. According to Jewish tradition, women have their part of the wall to pray thus the Pence’s wife was ushered to the women’s side. The segregation sparked an uproar among women journalists who were cordoned off behind a Secret Service erected wall. The tent disabled the women journalists from taking pictures forcing the Secret Service men to remove the tent roof.
Despite traditions, some women journalists attached to the White House Press voiced their grunt on the matter stating that with the modern times it is still not acceptable to segregate women. Mike Pence spend around 10 minutes at the wall praying with his hand leaning towards the wall. When asked by journalists after the session how he felt, he answered – inspiring.
