The Medrash continues: Vespasian conquered Yerushalayim and commanded each duke to demolish one wall of the Beis HaMikdash. The Arab duke, Pangar, was assigned to destroy the Western Wall but was unable to do so, because the Shechinah rests in the west.
When the Emperor asked him why he had not done his part, Pangar made up an excuse: “I thought it fitting that one wall should remain standing, impressive in its massive size and strength, so that all the nations would see what an immense and fortified structure you conquered and destroyed. Had we destroyed it out completely, the world would never know the magnitude of your power.”
Vespasian responded, “You have spoken well. Nevertheless, since you defied my command, I shall deliver you to fate. Ascend to the roof and leap down. If you survive, it will be a sign that you deserve reward for your idea to magnify my glory. But if you perish, it will be a sign that you are worthy of death for disobeying me.”
Pangar ascended the roof, leapt, and fell to his death, fulfilling Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai’s curse.
This account is also echoed in the Kinah (16): “Zachor eis asher as tzar bifnim” (Rabbi Elazar Hakalir):
עַל פֶּתַח הַר הַבַּיִת הֱחֱל לָבאֹ. בְּיַד אַרְבָּעָה רָאשֵׁי טִפְּסְרָיו לְהַחֱרִיבוֹ. עַל צַד מַעֱרָבִי לְזֵכֶר הִשְׁרִיד בּוֹ. וְצָג אַחֱר כָּתְלֵנּוּ וְלֹא רָב רִיבוֹ.
“At the entrance of the Temple he began to enter. With the four captains to destroy it. On the western side, a remnant was spared. He gazed upon our wall, yet did not avenge it.”
