Tens of Thousands Pray at Western Wall as Netanyahu Attends Selichot Service

Tens of thousands of worshippers gathered at the Western Wall Plaza in Jerusalem for the Selichot (penitential prayers) service, marking the culmination of the High Holy Days period. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among the attendees at the significant religious event.

The Israeli Police significantly increased security forces throughout Jerusalem to manage the large crowds expected for the Selichot prayers, which are held nightly during the period leading up to Yom Kippur. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation estimated that over two million worshippers would participate in the Selichot services held since the beginning of the Hebrew month of Elul until the eve of Yom Kippur.

This year's prayers included special intentions for the well-being of the people of Israel, with participation from former hostages, families of hostages, wounded IDF soldiers, and security forces. The service also concluded the "Ten Days of Repentance," the period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, considered especially significant in Jewish tradition.

Several public figures, including Eden Fines, Osher Cohen, and Emily Damari, also visited the Western Wall during the Selichot month. The event featured prayers led by prominent religious figures such as former Chief Rabbi David Yosef, Rabbi of the Western Wall Shmuel Rabinowitz, and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion. Security measures included blocking all entrances to the Old City to vehicular traffic in advance.