Thousands Begin Pilgrimage to Holy Site of Or HaChaim on Mount of Olives with Enhanced Safety Measures
Starting Monday evening and continuing through Tuesday, tens of thousands of worshippers from across Israel will ascend to the holy gravesite of Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar, known as the Or HaChaim, located on the Mount of Olives. Organizers have completed extensive logistical preparations to accommodate the large crowds expected for the annual pilgrimage commemorating the rabbi's yahrzeit.
This year, special emphasis has been placed on the safety and comfort of attendees. Spacious, well-lit, and shaded prayer platforms have been installed to allow orderly and calm prayer sessions during peak hours. Due to terrain challenges and safety concerns, access to the site is strictly limited to public transportation; private vehicles and buses are prohibited from entering the Mount of Olives area.
To facilitate access, dedicated bus lines 551 and 552 will operate from the Ramot Junction, passing through Ammunition Hill and Bar Lev Junction to the Mount of Olives. These lines will run Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. and Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Additionally, line 553 will run from the Ammunition Hill light rail station, and special shuttles will be available from the Stone Station during busy periods. Attendees are urged to remain patient and follow instructions from event marshals.
Yehuda Avidan, Director General of the Ministry of Religious Services, highlighted the ministry's commitment to making Israel's heritage and holy sites accessible to the public, stating that careful planning and resource investment ensure a dignified and safe experience for all visitors. Zuri'el Krispel, Director of the Jerusalem Cemeteries Council overseeing on-site preparations, described the operation as one of the most complex logistical efforts, noting the expanded prayer areas and crowd flow management to prevent overcrowding. Itzhak Hanau, Head of Religious Buildings at the Jerusalem Municipality, confirmed full coordination with emergency and rescue services to prepare infrastructure in advance while strictly adhering to safety regulations.
