Jerusalem Police Ban Annual Pilgrimage to Rabbi Yitzhak Gabara's Tomb in Ajjur for Second Year

The Jerusalem District Commander, Chief Superintendent Avshalom Peled, issued an administrative order prohibiting the annual pilgrimage (hilula) to the tomb of Rabbi Yitzhak Gabara in the moshav of Ajjur, scheduled for the 21st of Tammuz. This marks the second consecutive year the event has been banned. The order forbids entry to Ajjur, relevant farms, nearby communities, and access roads.

Police cited significant safety and organizational deficiencies presented by the event organizers, including lack of fencing and traffic management plans, inadequate lighting for pedestrian and vehicular routes, and insufficient crowd control measures at the tomb's entrance. The organizers had anticipated over 20,000 attendees. Authorities emphasized that public safety concerns outweighed the right to religious assembly due to a real risk of harm.

Rabbi Yishai Yiftah, spokesperson for the hilula, expressed regret over the decision, noting months of extensive preparations and coordination with police to meet safety requirements. He highlighted that the event was generously funded by donors for public benefit and stated ongoing efforts to resolve outstanding issues with authorities in hopes of permitting the pilgrimage.

Until official updates are provided, the public is urged to comply with the police order and refrain from visiting the site. The Jerusalem police stressed their priority is safeguarding lives amid the large-scale religious gathering.

Summary: For the second year in a row, Jerusalem police have banned the large annual pilgrimage to Rabbi Yitzhak Gabara's tomb in Ajjur due to critical safety concerns, despite organizers' preparations and appeals. The order restricts access to the area, with authorities prioritizing public safety over the event's religious significance.