Mossad Chief Pays Surprise Visit to Lubavitcher Rebbe's Gravesite
David Barnea seen praying at Chabad leader’s tomb in New York following high-level talks in Washington
Mossad Director David "Dedi" Barnea made an unexpected visit Wednesday to the gravesite of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, in Queens, New York, as diplomatic tensions mount over stalled hostage negotiations with Hamas and ongoing U.S.–Israel discussions.
Barnea, accompanied by masked security personnel and wearing a large black kippah, entered the Montifiore Cemetery site alongside several Chabad emissaries and rabbis. He remained inside the tomb for approximately five minutes, reciting Psalms and placing a traditional prayer note in the designated space. According to reports, he wrote the note in the VIP lounge before entering.
The visit took place in the early morning hours when the site was largely filled with Chabad yeshiva students.
Barnea's pilgrimage follows a similar visit just over a week ago by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who also prayed at the site and was accompanied by leaders from the Bukharian Jewish community. Over the past two years, dozens of hostages and family members have visited the site to pray.
The most high-profile visit occurred less than a year ago, on the first memorial of the October 7 massacre, when U.S. President Donald Trump arrived with the family of hostage Alexander Idan. Trump subsequently worked to secure Idan’s release, which was ultimately achieved. Two weeks ago, Idan returned to the site with his parents to offer a prayer of thanksgiving.