Israel’s tourism industry is literally on its knees. With a previously estimated average of six million visitors a year, the country is now experiencing a dearth in tourist arrivals, according to a seasoned tourist guide. What with the continued war on several fronts: The Houthis, the Yemenis, the Iranians and others.
Quite an interesting site though, is the Wailing Wall, which is sometimes referred to as the Western Wall. It continues to burst at the seams with people from a host of nations and races, perhaps seeking solace from the onslaught of life’s challenges and sufferings. The Wall, as recorded to be the last remaining section of the Second Temple’s retaining wall, continues to pose as a repository of prayer requests from visitors. Tears and silent supplications appeared to be a norm in this part of the religious site.
Despite the elevated temperature of 44-49 degrees celsius in the second week of August, 2025, (the highest recorded temperature in 48 years), prayers seemed to match, if not exceed, the fervor in the devotees’ supplications. Expressed either from needy hearts or from traditional ritual, the crowd seemed to emit fire for pleas for mercy and for other spiritual needs.
A Philippine media delegation saw the stunning scenario themselves: men, women and children marching down the streets of the Old City in Jerusalem. Even in the middle of night, families continued to come in big numbers to pay a visit to the Wall, seeming eager to expect God’s answer to their prayer requests on this hallowed ground.
Tour Guide Sigal Dolan, who has been assisting tourists in the Holy Land for 35 years, has been praying peace will eventually come back to Israel.
“I’m hoping for peace. I believe in peace. I’m really hoping that our government and the world will help us make the right decision,” she said.
Ms. Dolan, whose roots are in Israel, was formerly an Israeli Defense Force reservist, and now has her two children serving in the army. As a full-time tour guide, she does her work exceptionally well, full of wisdom and grace.
On this particular tour, with evident zeal and vigor to share what the Old City of Jerusalem had to offer, she walked down several significant historical and biblical sites, pausing from one area to another. The Philippine journalists eagerly listened to her, tossing questions about her narratives from time to time, especially because most of them were first-time visitors to Israel.
Ms. Dolan also allowed them to pause, reflect and enjoy personal privacy during several stages of the tour.
Touted as King David’s tomb (this is the famous David, who overcame Goliath by God’s power, with a slingshot) Ms. Dolan guided the journalists to this room, considered among the most valuable and most sacred places in the Old City. Several other visitors were also seen offering prayers in the area.
This is located under the so-called “Upper Room” (Cenacle from the Latin word cenaculum or dining room) where Jesus’ last supper with the twelve disciples was held.
Despite the sweltering heat and long walks, the Filipino journalists were able to see other historical and biblical sites the Old City holds.
Just outside these sites were a noticeable slow traffic of visitors availing of souvenirs and other mementos, a solemn remembrance of the religious area, for families and friends back home.
According to Palestinian national and store owner Abed Keluti, since two years ago, visitors stopped coming to the Old City and the number of patrons who bought souvenirs has also dropped, making it difficult for him and other store-owners to maintain a steady income.
Perhaps when Israel was still considered safe for visits, these stores would have been packed with people. For now, store owners will have to make do with a significantly smaller number of visitors and devotees.
