150,000 Attend Final Selichot Prayers at Western Wall

Approximately 150,000 people gathered at the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Monday night for the final Selichot (penitential prayers) service, marking the end of the month of Elul and the Ten Days of Repentance. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation reported that nearly 2 million worshippers visited the site throughout the entire period.

Large crowds began arriving early in the evening, filling the plaza, balconies, and surrounding alleys. Due to the immense turnout, the central event was broadcast live on large screens in the vicinity of the Western Wall, at the walls of the Jaffa Gate, and in Zion Square.

During the service, survivors of captivity were honored and received enthusiastic applause. Among them were Eli Cohen, Ziv Avod, Rom Barslavsky, Elkana Bohbot, and Ohad Ben Ami. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara, Chief Rabbis David Yosef and Kalman Meir Bar, Rabbi of the Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion also attended.

Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Chief Rabbis led prayers for the safety of IDF soldiers, security forces, and for peace and unity in Israel. Rabbi Rabinowitz stated in his speech that the Western Wall is the "beating heart of the Jewish people," noting the diverse attendance from all communities and beliefs. He expressed hope for the new year, emphasizing unity and shared destiny.

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation expressed satisfaction with the significant increase in visitors, noting that the 2 million visitors included bereaved families, wounded IDF soldiers, and security personnel. Preparations are now complete for Yom Kippur prayers, with thousands expected to attend throughout the fast, culminating in the Neilah service and the blowing of the shofar.