Thousands Pray at Joseph's Tomb in Nablus During Daytime Visit

Thousands of Israelis visited Joseph's Tomb in Nablus (Shechem) on Thursday for morning prayers, marking the Jewish festival of Sukkot and the traditional "Ushpizin" (guests) day for the biblical figure Joseph. The visit, which included prayers with the "Four Species" (lulav and etrog), was part of an initiative to expand access to the holy site, allowing daytime entry.

Leaders of the Samaria Regional Council, including Chairman Yossi Dagan, and several Knesset members, among them Zvi Sukkot, Uriel Buso, and Erez Malul, participated in the prayers. Dagan emphasized the symbolic importance of the visit during Sukkot, stating, "On the day the people of Israel host Joseph the Righteous in his Sukkah, we are privileged to return to him in daylight." He called on the Israeli government to approve a full return to the site and the re-establishment of the "Od Yosef Chai" yeshiva there.

The expanded access follows a decision by Defense Minister Israel Katz to extend visiting hours. The initiative was also supported by Rabbi Dudu Ben Nathan, father of fallen soldier Shoval Ben Nathan, who had been an activist for returning to Joseph's Tomb. The visit was conducted in two rounds with the approval and escort of the IDF.

Knesset Member Zvi Sukkot described the event as "making more history at Joseph's Tomb," noting it was the first mass prayer held there until 9 AM since its abandonment. He urged the Prime Minister to authorize the full return before the upcoming elections. Other participants included Major General Avi Blot, commander of the Central Command, and various security officials.