Palau – 2012 – 5 dollars – World of Wonders WESTERN WALL (including box) (PROOF)

Description

Metal Silver .925
Weight 20 g
Size 38.61 mm
Quality Proof
Mintage 2500
The Western Wall was originally a part of a temple complex on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel. After King Salomon’s first built temple was destroyed by the Babylonian King Herod, he and his great grandchild completed an even grander temple complex which was also destroyed in 70 AD. After the Palestine war, a part of the antique wall, as well as a big space in front, was cleared again. An entire Moroccan neighbourhood had to make way for it and was abruptly demolished. The cleared 48 m long wall is considered to be the holiest location in Judaism. For believers, it represents a symbol of the eternal tie between God and the nation. Therefore, believers go on pilgrimages in thousands to the wall daily in order to celebrate, pray or to stick notes with prayers, wishes and thoughts into the cracks of the huge lime stones. Originally King Herod built the wall as a support for a 144.464 m2 market square. At this time, about 20 BC, the wall was a total of 457 m long and 27 m high. Only in the Middle Ages did the Western Wall (Wailing Wall) receive its current name because Jews were observed while mourning the temple’s demolition.