Major Changes to Access and Transport for Rachel's Tomb Pilgrimage
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Major changes are being introduced for the annual pilgrimage to Rachel's Tomb to manage overcrowding, including buses dropping off pilgrims a walk away and modified police arrangements. Eyal Attia, manager of Rachel's Tomb, stated that the goal is to ensure safe and orderly access for thousands of expected visitors. Pilgrims are advised to use public transport and consider visiting during daylight hours to avoid peak congestion.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Buses will drop off thousands of pilgrims away from Rachel's Tomb to ease congestion.
- New arrangements aim to prevent severe overcrowding seen in previous years.
- Pilgrims are encouraged to visit during daylight hours to avoid peak night crowds.
- Police will not use holding pens at Teddy Stadium, improving access.
- Public transport, including Jerusalem's light rail, is recommended for access.
Thousands of worshippers are expected to visit Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem for the upcoming annual pilgrimage, known as the 'Hillula'. This year, significant changes to arrival and on-site arrangements are being implemented to prevent the severe overcrowding experienced in previous years. Eyal Attia, the manager of Rachel's Tomb, detailed the extensive preparations, emphasizing the challenge of balancing construction and logistical work with maintaining prayer services.
A key change involves transportation: buses will no longer drive directly to the tomb complex. Instead, they will drop off passengers about a six-minute walk away at the "Yellow Gate" area. This decision stems from past incidents where stalled buses caused major traffic disruptions, including a past event that crippled transportation for miles. A food and drink area has been set up near the drop-off point, and special vehicles will be available for the elderly and disabled to enter the complex.
Attia urged pilgrims to consider visiting during daylight hours, as the peak congestion occurs between 9 PM and 1 AM. He noted that over 50,000 people had already visited in the three days preceding the main event, indicating a growing trend of pilgrims arriving before or after the official date to avoid crowds.
Furthermore, police arrangements have been modified. Attia stated that the criticized holding pens at Teddy Stadium will not be used this year, and pedestrian access from the Rosemary Junction area will be permitted, a change from previous years. He stressed the police's intention to facilitate a positive experience for worshippers.
The primary challenge, according to Attia, is ensuring every pilgrim can reach the tomb safely, avoiding dangerous overcrowding, fainting spells, or other safety incidents. He also reminded the public of the ban on lighting candles within the complex due to fire risks and requested that visitors be considerate of others by leaving the prayer area promptly after their visit.
For those planning to attend, Attia recommended using public transportation, including Jerusalem's light rail to Teddy Stadium, followed by shuttle buses to the tomb, to avoid parking issues. He expressed hope that the implemented changes would lead to an orderly and safe pilgrimage, free from the past's congestion.
