Israeli Police Ban Annual Pilgrimage to Rabbi Yitzhak Gabra's Tomb in Ajjur

The Israeli police have prohibited the annual pilgrimage (hilula) to the tomb of Rabbi Yitzhak Gabra in the village of Ajjur, scheduled for July 5-6, 2026. The decision, signed by Jerusalem District Commander Commissioner Avshalom Peled, forbids public access to Ajjur, relevant farms, nearby communities, and access roads during the event. The police cited months of coordination with event organizers who allegedly failed to meet safety and logistical requirements, including lack of fencing plans, inadequate lighting for pedestrian and vehicle routes, and crowd management issues at the tomb's entrance.

This unprecedented administrative order has sparked outrage among the ultra-Orthodox community, who expected thousands of worshippers to attend. Critics argue that instead of finding a controlled solution to ensure safety, the police chose the most extreme measure by banning the pilgrimage entirely. The police clarified that the ban does not apply to residents of Ajjur and neighboring villages, and officers will be deployed to enforce the order and prevent unauthorized gatherings.

The order is effective from 6:00 AM on Sunday until 11:59 PM on Monday. Authorities indicated that if organizers comply fully with the conditions and submit the required permits in time for operational preparations, the ban may be reconsidered. Nonetheless, many in the community feel the police prioritized cancellation over managing the event safely, emphasizing that the police role should be to facilitate access rather than prohibit it outright.