Tens of Thousands Attend Final Selichot Prayers at Western Wall Before Yom Kippur
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Tens of thousands of worshippers attended the final Selichot prayers at the Western Wall in Jerusalem before Yom Kippur. Prime Minister Netanyahu was among the attendees, with significant security measures in place. The event concluded a period of prayer services that drew millions of visitors.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Tens of thousands attended final Selichot prayers at Western Wall.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu was present with enhanced security.
- The event marked the end of Selichot services for the year.
- Approximately 2 million people visited the Western Wall during the period.
- Extensive security and transportation plans were implemented.
Tens of thousands of worshippers gathered at the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Saturday night for the final Selichot (penitential prayers) service before Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the service, arriving over three hours early due to heightened security measures, which included him praying behind bulletproof glass.
The central service was led by Cantor Moshe Habusha and included prominent rabbis such as Sephardic Chief Rabbi David Yosef, Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi Kalman Bar, and Rabbi of the Western Wall Shmuel Rabinowitz. Education Minister Yoav Kisch and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir were also in attendance.
Due to the massive turnout, prayers were projected onto screens near the Old City walls, with the crowds extending into the surrounding streets. Prime Minister Netanyahu recited a prayer for the safety and success of IDF soldiers and wished the public a happy new year.
This final service marked the conclusion of the Selichot services held throughout the month of Elul and the Ten Days of Repentance, which saw hundreds of thousands of worshippers visit the Western Wall. Approximately 2 million people visited the Western Wall during the entire Selichot period in 2026, according to preliminary data.
Extensive preparations were made by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, the police, and transportation authorities to manage the large crowds. Public transportation in Jerusalem was increased for the night, and traffic arrangements around the Old City were altered, with some roads closed to private vehicles.
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