Tens of Thousands Attend Final Penitential Prayers at Western Wall Before Yom Kippur

Approximately 150,000 worshippers gathered at the Western Wall plaza for the final penitential prayers, known as "Slichot," preceding the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur. The event, held on Saturday night, marked the culmination of traditional Slichot services for the year.

Among the attendees were survivors of the Nova music festival massacre and Hamas captivity, including Lia Cohen and her partner, Ziv Avod, as well as Rom Barslavsky, Elkana Bohbot, and Ohad Ben Ami, who were met with applause and appreciation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara, Chief Rabbis David Yosef and Kalman Meer, Rabbi of the Western Wall Shmuel Rabinowitz, and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion were also present.

During the service, Prime Minister Netanyahu offered a prayer for the safety of IDF soldiers and security forces, and for the state. The Chief Rabbis led prayers for peace and unity within Israel. Rabbi Rabinowitz addressed the crowd, emphasizing the Western Wall as the "beating heart of the Jewish people" and noting the diverse attendance from all segments of Israeli society.

Due to the large turnout, the event was broadcast on large screens throughout the Old City and in Zion Square. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation reported that nearly two million worshippers visited the Western Wall during the preceding month of Elul and the Ten Days of Repentance, including survivors, bereaved families, and soldiers.

The foundation has completed its preparations for Yom Kippur services at the Western Wall, anticipating thousands of participants, especially for the concluding Neilah prayer and the shofar blast. Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism, involves fasting, prayer, repentance, and seeking forgiveness, with observances including refraining from eating, drinking, bathing, and wearing leather shoes. Many wear white clothing and a kittel, symbolizing purity.