Madonna makes late-night stop in Jerusalem’s Old City on first day of Holy Land visit
By APMonday, August 31, 2009
Madonna tours Jewish holy sites in Jerusalem
JERUSALEM — The Material Girl has opened a visit to the Holy Land with a spiritual touch.
Madonna headed to Jerusalem’s Old City late Sunday where she toured an ancient tunnel near the Western Wall — the holiest site where Jews can pray.
The 50-year-old pop star arrived in a black Mercedes van and was escorted into the tunnel by police. She made no comment to reporters and was whisked away about a half hour later.
Madonna isn’t Jewish, but she’s a follower of Jewish mysticism and has even taken the Hebrew name Esther.
She arrived early Sunday for a pair of concerts this week. It will be her first performance in Israel since 1993, though she came on private pilgrimages in 2004 and 2007.
Madonna is also set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday.
