Tens of Thousands Visit Rachel's Tomb for Annual Commemoration

Tens of thousands of worshippers are visiting Rachel's Tomb to mark the annual commemoration of Rachel the Matriarch's "Hillula" (anniversary of passing). Visitors from across Israel and abroad are converging at the holy site to pray for health, livelihood, peace, and for the nation's leadership. Pilgrims described a powerful sense of connection and spiritual experience, with many feeling that their prayers are being heard.

Among the pilgrims was Ada Ben Harush from Tirat Carmel, visiting for the first time. "Today is the Hillula of Rachel the Matriarch. We came to pray, it's moving. I came to ask for health, livelihood, and peace in the country," she said. Zohara Altman from Kiryat Ekron shared that her prayers encompassed not only her family but also neighbors, workers, soldiers, and police. She also prayed for the country's leadership, asking for the "right and good leader."

Residents living near Rachel's Tomb, Moriyah and Shira, spoke about the unique atmosphere created by the large influx of worshippers. They highlighted the sense of unity, with people from "all hues, all types, and all ethnicities" coming together. They also noted that even the crowds and the walk to the tomb are part of the moving experience. The residents maintain a tradition of ensuring someone is always present at the site, especially on Shabbat and holidays, to prevent Rachel from being "alone."

Since the start of the recent war, the residents have observed a "crazy closeness" among Israelis visiting the site. They noted that families of survivors and hostages have prayed there, feeling a sense of accompaniment from Rachel the Matriarch. Elisa Zoldan from London, visiting for the first time despite many previous trips to Israel, expressed her deep emotion, stating, "Here in prayer, you feel that Mother Rachel listens to you."

Eyal Attia, the manager of Rachel's Tomb site, anticipates hundreds of thousands of visitors throughout the week, estimating around a quarter of a million people. He noted that approximately 50,000 people had already visited in the preceding two days, with projections for another 150,000 by the end of the week and continuing into the next. Attia emphasized the message of unity, observing that the site brings together "all of the people of Israel," transcending religious and secular divides.