Tens of Thousands Attend Selichot Prayers at Western Wall

Tens of thousands of people gathered at the Western Wall Plaza in Jerusalem overnight for the central Selichot prayers, filling the plaza and surrounding areas with a spiritual atmosphere. The large crowd joined in reciting traditional Selichot piyyutim and prayers.

The service was led by Rabbi Yaakov Ades, accompanied by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Participants offered prayers for the safety and success of IDF soldiers and security forces, as well as for the peace of the people of Israel and for quieter, better times.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who participated in the prayers, stated that the event held special significance for him. He expressed gratitude for praying alongside tens of thousands, noting that alongside the Selichot, participants prayed for the success of the fighters and the "national camp" in the near future. Smotrich concluded his remarks by quoting from the prayer, "Do it for Your right hand."

The event at the Western Wall once again highlighted the power of mass Selichot gatherings in Jerusalem, which attract large crowds annually seeking connection to tradition, prayer, and the unique atmosphere of the period.