Jerusalem Bans Private Vehicles for Rabbi Chaim Ben Attar Pilgrimage on Mount of Olives

Tens of thousands of worshippers from across Israel are expected to visit the tomb of Rabbi Chaim Ben Attar, known as the 'Or HaChaim,' on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem starting Monday evening and continuing Tuesday for his annual hillula (commemoration day). In preparation, the Ministry of Religious Services, Jerusalem Municipality, and the Cemetery Council have coordinated a complex logistical operation focused on crowd safety and preventing overcrowding. Spacious, illuminated, and air-conditioned platforms have been set up around the tomb to facilitate orderly prayer.

Yehuda Avidan, CEO of the Ministry of Religious Services, emphasized the commitment to making the site accessible in a dignified and safe manner. Zuri'el Krispel, CEO of the Cemetery Council, described the operation as one of the most complex field efforts requiring meticulous crowd flow management. Yitzhak Hanau, head of the Religious Buildings Department at the municipality, noted that all preparations were coordinated with emergency and rescue services.

Due to the Mount of Olives' topography and strict safety considerations, private vehicles and independent buses are completely banned from entering the site. Access will only be possible via a special public transportation system and dedicated shuttle services. Special bus lines 551 and 552 will run from the Ramot Junction through Ammunition Hill and Bar Lev Junction directly to the Mount. These lines will operate Monday evening from 18:30 to 01:00 and Tuesday from 09:00 to 21:00. Additionally, line 553 will run from the Light Rail station at Ammunition Hill, alongside rapid shuttles from the Stone Station during peak hours. Organizers urge the public to check for updates in advance and follow instructions from event marshals.