Tens of Thousands Attend Historic Selichot Prayers at Western Wall

Over 50,000 people gathered at the Western Wall plaza for a dramatic and unprecedented Selichot (penitential prayers) service and annulment of vows ceremony, marking the culmination of the month of Elul. The event, held on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, saw a massive turnout that filled the plaza and surrounding areas.

Due to the overwhelming crowd, the ceremony was broadcast live on giant screens erected on the walls of the Old City and at Jaffa Gate, allowing those unable to enter the plaza to participate. The prayers included pleas for the safety of IDF soldiers and security forces, recovery for the wounded, and for the peace, security, and unity of Israel. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion led one of the prayers.

The Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi David Yosef, and other prominent rabbis, ministers, and public figures were in attendance. Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, the Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of unity within the Jewish people, especially during this period, urging the setting aside of disputes in favor of unconditional love and mutual responsibility ahead of the new year.

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation reported that nearly one million worshippers visited the site throughout Elul. Organizers reminded the public that additional large-scale Selichot services will be held at the Western Wall during the Ten Days of Repentance, with the next major event scheduled for Monday, September 14th, at 12:15 AM.

The event was described as emotionally and spiritually uplifting, uniting diverse segments of Israeli society in prayer and reflection.