Netanyahu Prays at Western Wall for IDF Soldiers on Eve of Yom Kippur

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara attended the final central "Slichot" (penitential prayers) ceremony at the Western Wall on the eve of Yom Kippur. During the event, Netanyahu offered a prayer for the safety of IDF soldiers, security forces, and the state of Israel. The ceremony was also attended by Israel's Chief Rabbis, David Yosef and Kalman Meir Bar, Rabbi of the Western Wall Shmuel Rabinowitz, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, ministers, and public figures.

Several former hostages, including Eli Cohen, Rom Breslavsky, Elkana Buchbot, and Ohad Ben Ami, along with Cohen's partner Ziv Avod, who survived the Nova music festival massacre, were present and received a warm reception from the crowd. The Chief Rabbis led prayers for the peace and unity of Israel.

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation reported that approximately 150,000 people participated in the Slichot ceremonies throughout the night, from early evening until the main prayer service. The plaza, balconies, and adjacent alleys in the Old City were filled with attendees. Due to the large turnout, the event was broadcast live on large screens in the vicinity, including at Jaffa Gate and Zion Square, with the support of the Jerusalem Municipality and the Jerusalem Development Authority.

The foundation also stated that nearly two million worshippers visited the Western Wall during the month of Elul and the Ten Days of Repentance leading up to Yom Kippur. They noted the significant presence of former hostages, bereaved families, wounded soldiers, and security personnel, alongside the general public, united in prayer for the people of Israel.