Fact Check: JFK refuses to kiss the wall in Jerusalem

JFK Refuses to Kiss the Wall in Jerusalem: A Fact-Check

Introduction

The claim that "JFK refuses to kiss the wall in Jerusalem" suggests that former President John F. Kennedy did not engage in the customary act of kissing the Western Wall during his presidency. This assertion raises questions about the historical context of Kennedy's relationship with Israel and the significance of such gestures by U.S. presidents.

What We Know

1. Presidential Visits to the Western Wall: The Western Wall, a significant religious site for Judaism, has been visited by multiple U.S. presidents, including Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, who have participated in the act of touching or kissing the wall as a sign of respect for Jewish traditions 12.

2. JFK's Relationship with Israel: John F. Kennedy's administration marked a pivotal point in U.S.-Israeli relations, with Kennedy supporting arms sales to Israel and fostering closer ties 9. However, there is no documented evidence of Kennedy visiting the Western Wall during his presidency, as his administration did not include a trip to Israel.

3. Cultural Context: The act of kissing the Western Wall is a gesture of reverence and respect among Jewish worshippers and is often performed by visiting dignitaries 1. The significance of this act varies among individuals, with some presidents choosing to engage in it while others may abstain for personal or political reasons.

4. Historical Precedents: Previous U.S. presidents have had varying degrees of engagement with religious customs during their visits abroad. For example, Kennedy did not kiss Pope Paul VI's papal ring during a 1963 meeting, which was noted at the time and has been discussed in historical analyses 4.

Analysis

The claim regarding JFK's refusal to kiss the Western Wall lacks direct evidence, primarily because there is no record of him visiting the site. The absence of such a visit makes it impossible to ascertain whether he would have participated in the act of kissing the wall.

1. Source Evaluation:

   • The article from Distractify 1 provides a general overview of why presidents kiss the wall but does not specifically address JFK's actions or lack thereof. It is a lifestyle and entertainment site, which may not prioritize rigorous historical accuracy.
   • The AFP fact-check 2 focuses on the misrepresentation of images of other presidents at the wall, indirectly highlighting the significance of the act but does not provide information on JFK.
   • The analysis from Oxford Academic 9 offers a scholarly perspective on JFK's foreign policy, but does not mention any specific actions related to the Western Wall.
   • The Irish Central article 4 discusses JFK's interactions with Pope Paul VI, providing context for his behavior in religious settings, but again does not mention the Western Wall.

2. Potential Bias and Conflicts of Interest: Some sources, like those from lifestyle or entertainment platforms, may present information in a way that aligns with popular narratives rather than strictly adhering to historical facts. Scholarly articles, while more reliable, may still have limitations based on the scope of their research.

3. Methodological Concerns: The claim itself does not provide specific details or evidence to support the assertion that JFK refused to kiss the wall. Additional information, such as eyewitness accounts or historical records of his itinerary during visits to Israel, would be beneficial for a more comprehensive understanding.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "JFK refuses to kiss the wall in Jerusalem" is deemed false due to the lack of evidence supporting the assertion. Notably, there is no documented visit by John F. Kennedy to the Western Wall during his presidency, which makes it impossible to confirm whether he would have engaged in the act of kissing the wall. The absence of a visit means that any claims regarding his refusal are speculative at best.

It is important to recognize that while the act of kissing the Western Wall is significant for many, the context of JFK's presidency and his relationship with Israel does not provide a basis for this specific claim. Furthermore, the sources consulted do not offer direct evidence regarding JFK's actions related to the Western Wall, highlighting a limitation in the available evidence.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate claims and seek out reliable sources when assessing historical narratives. The complexity of historical events often requires careful consideration of context and evidence.

Sources

1. Distractify. "Why Do U.S. Presidents Kiss the Wall in Israel?" Distractify
2. AFP. "Photos show former US presidents visiting Western Wall in Jerusalem ..." AFP Fact Check
3. The Jerusalem Post. "Netanyahu: US envoy Western Wall kiss was a solidarity act." The Jerusalem Post
4. Irish Central. "Why JFK did not kiss Pope Paul VI's papal ring in 1963." Irish Central
5. YouTube. "Why Do World Leaders Kiss Israel's Sacred Western Wall?" YouTube
6. The Jewish Chronicle. "'Do not kiss the Western Wall', worshippers told." The JC
7. Yahoo News. "Jewish worshippers urged not to kiss Western Wall due to ..." Yahoo News
8. The Atlantic. "Why Trump's Western Wall Visit Endeared Him to Israelis." The Atlantic
9. Oxford Academic. "JFK and the U.S.-Israeli Relationship." Oxford Academic