Arutz ShevaCulture18:26

Thousands Flock to Hebron for Shabbat Chayei Sarah Despite Rain

By ערוץ 7

Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba

RightNeutral tone

Hebrew · 5 newsrooms covering

Tens of thousands of worshippers and visitors attended Shabbat Chayei Sarah events in Kiryat Arba and Hebron over the weekend, despite heavy rain. The local council and various organizations managed the large crowds, providing accommodation in homes, tents, and caravans. The Head of the Local Council praised the community's resilience and the event's success, emphasizing Hebron's importance as a heritage site.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Tens of thousands visited Kiryat Arba and Hebron for Shabbat Chayei Sarah events.
Heavy rainfall did not deter visitors from attending prayers and activities.
Local residents, tents, and caravans provided accommodation for guests.
The Head of the Local Council, Head of the Local Council, praised the community's strength.
Security and rescue forces cooperated with the local council for the event.

Thousands Flock to Hebron for Shabbat Chayei Sarah Despite Rain — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Tens of thousands of worshippers and visitors converged on Kiryat Arba and the Cave of the Patriarchs for Shabbat Chayei Sarah, a weekend commemorating Abraham's purchase of the holy site. Despite heavy rainfall in the region, families, youth, and international guests arrived for prayers at the Cave of the Patriarchs and events held throughout Kiryat Arba.

The influx of visitors began Friday morning and continued through the weekend. Guests were hosted in the homes of residents in Kiryat Arba and Hebron, in erected tents, and in caravans. Prayer areas around the Cave of the Patriarchs were filled, and open spaces hosted sleeping accommodations. Many residents opened their homes to dozens of guests, while the town's lawns were dotted with tents. A large parking area was designated for caravans.

The local council, the Cave of the Patriarchs administration, the Ministry of Religious Services, the Kiryat Arba-Hebron Religious Council, and Chabad Hebron collaborated on the logistical arrangements for hosting, lodging, and meals, alongside preparations for prayers and events. The rainfall presented an additional challenge, requiring organizers to manage weather conditions alongside the large number of attendees.

The Head of the Local Council, Head of the Kiryat Arba-Hebron Local Council, commented on the event's scale and the handling of the weather. "Despite the rains and the crowds, Kiryat Arba-Hebron once again proved its strength," he stated. Bar-Meir highlighted the significance of Shabbat Chayei Sarah for the community, asserting, "This Shabbat proves that the City of the Patriarchs is the capital of Judea and the entire region, a heritage and tourism center for the Jewish people."

Bar-Meir thanked the various security and rescue bodies, including the IDF's Yehuda Brigade, the Border Police at the Cave of the Patriarchs, the Israel Police, Fire and Rescue services, Magen David Adom, and volunteers, for their cooperation with the local council. He also acknowledged the efforts of the council and community center teams who worked throughout the Shabbat to facilitate events, including a business fair, lectures, panels, workshops, and classes, ensuring guests felt at home.