Massive Yom Kippur Eve Prayer Service at Western Wall

Tens of thousands of worshippers are expected to attend the central Selichot (penitential prayers) service on the eve of Yom Kippur at the Western Wall plaza in Jerusalem. To accommodate the large crowds, public transportation services have been significantly enhanced. Egged bus company announced a substantial increase in service, with routes 1 and 3 operating throughout the night, and additional buses on routes 111, 222, and 333. The Jerusalem Light Rail's L1 line will also run all night to facilitate access to the Western Wall.

Free 'Park and Ride' parking lots will be available at the Givat Hamivtar and Har Herzl light rail stations for attendees. This extensive public transport operation aims to ease the journey for the thousands of worshippers converging on the holy site. The Ministry of Transportation has also announced that roads around the Old City will be closed to private vehicles during the event, with exceptions for vehicles bearing a disabled permit entering via Zion Gate from Hebron Road.

The Selichot service at the Western Wall is a major event on the eve of Yom Kippur, drawing vast numbers of people. Last year, approximately 100,000 people participated in the central service, which included a live broadcast connecting the Western Wall plaza with Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. Recent improvements to accessibility, including the rerouting of buses through Dung Gate in the early morning hours, are expected to further assist elderly worshippers and those with disabilities.