Jerusalem's Western Wall Area Sees Massive Pilgrim Influx, Traffic Restrictions Implemented

Jerusalem is experiencing a significant surge in visitors, with hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and tourists expected to converge on the Western Wall area during the ongoing holiday period and Chol HaMoed. All vehicle access to the Western Wall plaza has been closed due to the overwhelming numbers, and nearby parking lots are completely full. Police are urging residents and visitors to avoid driving into the Old City.

Security has been significantly heightened, with hundreds of police officers, Border Police (MAGAV) officers, and volunteers deployed throughout the city. They are stationed on major streets, within the Old City, at holy sites, tourist attractions, and parks. Some officers will be in uniform, while others will be undercover to maintain public order, ensure safety, and manage traffic flow.

Traffic restrictions will remain in effect for private vehicles on roads leading to the Old City and the Western Wall until Friday, October 2. Specific roads, including Sultan Suleiman Street, Rockefeller Intersection, Gethsemane Intersection, Ofel Road, and Ma'ale HaShalom, will be closed to private cars, with access permitted only for public transportation and local residents.

Further temporary closures may affect Yitzhak Kariv Street, home to the "Karta" and "Mamilla" parking lots, and Hativat Yerushalayim Street, which encircles the Old City from the southwest, depending on traffic conditions. Residents of the Old City's Jewish Quarter can access their homes via the Jaffa or Zion Gates, following existing traffic patterns.

Public transportation to the Western Wall will operate 24/7 throughout Chol HaMoed. The police recommend using public transport and advise drivers to monitor traffic updates via the Waze app to navigate the restricted areas.