Western Wall rabbi visited zoo on Holocaust Remembrance Day

The rabbi of the Western Wall and the Holy Sites of Israel participated in a private tour of the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo on the afternoon of Holocaust Remembrance Day. Joined by members of his family, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch attended a “behind-the-scenes” visit to the zoo, though the site is closed to the general public on national memorial days.

The visit took place at Rabinovitch’s request.

The zoo’s management explained that it had hoped to offer Rabinovitch a unique experience, one which would not be disturbed by large crowds.

“The zoo has in the past conducted this kind of activity on Holocaust Remembrance Day,” Jerusalem Biblical Zoo Director Shai Doron told The Times of Israel. “The fact that the zoo was closed to visitors allows for a tour that could not take place if the zoo were open to the public.”

Doron added that Rabinovitch had provided the zoo with much assistance over the years and that the management wished to express its gratitude toward him.

“Rabinovitch has long been helping the zoo in fundraising for activities at the site, as he recognized the importance of the institution to Jerusalem and to the diverse population that visits the site,” he said.

“The rabbi does so without expecting anything in return, during his free time, and on a voluntary basis.”

Doron noted that several other institutions in Jerusalem and across the country were opened to the public on Holocaust Remembrance Day, including the Israel Museum, national parks, and other zoos.

He added that from the point of view of the zoo’s management, Holocaust Remembrance Day was a normal work day and that they had nevertheless decided to shut the site to the general public. He also stated that a number of classes and activities were offered to children during the memorial day.

For his part, Rabinovitch confirmed he had attended the tour, but said that it had taken place in the afternoon, toward the end of the memorial day.