The Osaka-Kansai Expo, which opened on Sunday, April 13th, has proven more popular than expected. The Israel Pavilion has seen a steady stream of thousands of visitors, with over 10.000 enthusiasts on our busiest days, each discovering its appeal for themselves.

At the entrance, guests are welcomed by a 1,700-year-old ceramic oil lamp discovered near the Mount of Olives. Adorned with symbols of the Jewish Temple, including the menorah – now Israel’s national emblem – it represents the spreading of light in times of darkness and captivates visitors with its mystical beauty.

As visitors enter the main area, they are greeted with a timeless message of blessing presented in Hebrew, English, and Japanese: “And through you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

At the heart of the Pavilion is ‘The Stone,’ an architectural relic from ancient Jerusalem dating back nearly 2,000 years. It serves as the focal point of the exhibit titled Forever, with powerful biblical verses projected onto its surface. Visitors are invited to touch the stone and reflect on Israel’s rich historical legacy.

At the center of Jerusalem’s Old City stands the Western Wall, a remnant of the ancient Jewish Temple built 2,000 years ago. Millions of people from around the world visit this sacred site, leaving handwritten notes filled with prayers and wishes between its ancient stones.

Visitors to the Pavilion can take part in an interactive experience where messages submitted via a touchpad are printed and added among the stones of the actual Western Wall. It was moving to see so many guests adding their own wishes.
With this experience, the Israel Pavilion offers a uniquely interactive link to Jerusalem.