Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? Where's Waldo? Where are the keilim of the Beis Hamikdash?

A Jerusalem-based rabbi recently sent a letter to the Pope and to the Vatican Ambassador to Israel asking them to consider returning the vessels, that are supposedly stored in the archives of the Vatican, to Israel during the Pope's upcoming visit.

Surprisingly enough, there has been a response!

According to Ladaat, the Vatican Ambassdor to Israel has responded to Rabbi Shtencel saying that the vessels of the Beit Hamikdash are NOT located in the Vatican.

The Ambassador goes on to say that the idea that the Vatican is holding the vessels goes against the past 50 years of friendly dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Jewish Nation. If the vessels would be in the Vatican, the Popes until now would have definitely returned them to the rightful owners. The Ambassador adds a personal offer - he says if you can prove to me that the Vatican is holding the vessels, I will personally pass the information on to Pope Francis.

So, where are the vessels of the Holy Temple?

The Rabbinic Council of the Chief Rabbinate has decided to convene to discuss the current overtures being considered by the Israeli government towards the Vatican. The ownership of a number of sites important to Christians is being considered for transfer to the Vatican.

The Rabbinic Council put out a "psak" saying that it is forbidden to give any part of the Holy Land to the Vatican. They called upon the Prime Minister to cease any further discussion and consideration of the matter.

Rav Simcha Kook (Chief Rabbi of Rehovot and member of the Council) said that among the list are 19 locations throughout Judea and Samaria, along with 28 sites in Jerusalem. Transferring ownership to the Vatican will place Jewish control of Jerusalem in jeopardy. The claim that these sites were controlled after being conquered by the Crusaders 800 years ago is ridiculous, as we owned these sites 2000 years ago. Just because we recaptured them in 1967 does not mean we have to give up our authority.

(sources: ynet and INN)

It is amazing that this is even being considered, let alone seriously. Le's see the Vatican give back all the spoils they took from the Jews when they conquered Israel and the Temple, if they really think that this is how it works. The Holy Land was conquered by Rome many years ago. There is no need to let it happen again.