Tens of Thousands Gather at Western Wall for Pre-Rosh Hashanah Prayers

Over 50,000 Jews gathered at the Western Wall plaza in Jerusalem on the last evening before Rosh Hashanah to recite "Slichot," penitential prayers. The main ceremony was attended by Israel's Chief Sephardic Rabbi David Yosef, along with other rabbis, public officials, and tens of thousands of worshippers.

Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, Shmuel Rabinowitz, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of unity for the Jewish people, especially during the current period. He urged attendees to set aside differences, increase unconditional love and mutual responsibility, and welcome the new year with solidarity and unity, praying for peace and good tidings.

During the service, rabbis offered prayers for the well-being of IDF soldiers and security forces, for the healing of the wounded, and for peace, security, and unity among the people of Israel. Since the beginning of Elul, approximately one million worshippers have visited the Western Wall plaza, with people traveling from across the country to recite Slichot.

Due to the large crowd, the event was broadcast live on screens in the Old City and near Jaffa Gate. This initiative, led by Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion in collaboration with the Jerusalem Municipality, the Jerusalem Development Authority, and the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, aimed to allow thousands of believers to join the prayers from other locations within the Old City.