Subsequent to a large stone falling from the Kotel, an Israeli archaeologist has declared that the entire Kotel plaza is a “danger zone.” Zachi Dvira, who is completing a PhD on the archaeology of the Temple Mount, is of the opinion that other stones “could immediately fall,” causing injury.
Recently, a 220-pound boulder fell in an area designated for egalitarian prayer services. No one was harmed but it landed close to a female worshipper, Daniella Goldberg, 79. Dvira says that the political controversy surrounding the egalitarian prayer area has prevented proper maintenance of the wall.
Dvir notes that several rocks from the Temple Mount’s other three supporting walls have fallen in recent years. In 2004, large pieces of Western Wall stone fell during Yom Kippur, injuring one worshiper.
Read more on JTA