A young journalist got to hear of a very elderly Israeli who had been going to pray at the Wailing Wall every day for decades.

Thinking that she may have found a good subject for an article, she went to the Wall herself and eventually saw an old man walking slowly up to the Wall.

After 45 minutes of prayer, he moved off again, leaning heavily on his cane.  The journalist took the opportunity to approach him.

“Excuse me, Sir,” said the journalist, “I am Rebecca Smith from CNN.  May I ask your name?”

“Morris Fishbien,” he replied.

“For how long have you been coming here to pray, Sir?”

“For more than 50 years.”

“Fifty years! That’s incredible.  What are you praying for?”

“I am praying for peace amongst Christians, Jews and Muslims. I pray for the end of all war and of hatred. I pray that our children may grow up in security and become responsible adults who love their neighbours.”

“And how do you feel after 50 years of prayer?”

“I have the impression I’m speaking to a wall.”