Tens of Thousands Expected at Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's Tomb Amid Legal Battles

Organizers are preparing for approximately 100,000 worshippers to visit the tomb of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef in Jerusalem's Sanhedria cemetery during the annual commemoration, which begins Tuesday evening, the eve of 3 Cheshvan, and lasts until Thursday. This significant gathering follows the cancellation of a central commemoration event at Binyanei Ha'uma, which was called off based on instructions from the Attorney General and a Supreme Court decision. In response to the legal challenges, a source from the Shas party stated that the Rabbi's legacy "is alive and exists, his lamp will never be extinguished," asserting that the public's massive attendance will prove this to the Attorney General and the Supreme Court. To accommodate the expected crowds, buses from around 70 cities will transport attendees, and public transportation in Jerusalem will be augmented. Large prayer tents, refreshment stations, and dozens of security and ushers will be set up at the site to manage the flow of people and ensure order. Traffic in the Sanhedria junction area and access roads to the tomb will be significantly altered, with specific entry and exit routes designated. Organizers are urging the public to avoid private vehicles, use designated parking lots or nearby neighborhoods, and rely on public transport while adhering to security and usher instructions. Hundreds of smaller commemoration events are also scheduled to take place across the country.