Preparations Underway for Baba Sali Pilgrimage in Southern Israel
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Senior officials from the Ministry of Religious Services and the Southern District Police recently conducted a site visit to plan for traffic, infrastructure, and crowd control. The ministry is investing in facility upgrades to ensure pilgrim safety and a spiritual atmosphere, working closely with police for a secure event.
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- Tens of thousands of worshippers are expected at the Baba Sali pilgrimage in Netivot.
- Senior police and Ministry of Religious Services officials toured the site for preparations.
- Ongoing upgrades aim to improve prayer areas and infrastructure at the holy site.
- The Ministry of Religious Services is coordinating with police for pilgrim safety.
A joint site visit was recently conducted by senior officials from the Southern District Police and the Ministry of Religious Services to assess logistical needs.
The tour was led by Yaakov Cohen, the project manager for the event from the Ministry of Religious Services, accompanied by Negev Region Deputy Commander Arkadai Elkind, Netivot station commander Adi Bohbut, and Negev Region Operations Officer Itzik Amsalem. They reviewed traffic routes, access to the tomb, infrastructure, and crowd control measures for peak times.
These early preparations are part of an ongoing, multi-year effort to improve the facilities at the holy site. Upgrade work, initiated during the tenure of former Minister of Religious Services Michael Malchieli, has continued with investments in prayer areas, infrastructure, and guidance systems to manage large crowds and prevent congestion.
Yehuda Avidan, Director General of the Ministry of Religious Services, emphasized the commitment to ensuring the safety and spiritual atmosphere for the pilgrims. He stated that close coordination with the police and comprehensive efforts are being made to allow the public to visit, pray with peace and dignity, and return home safely.
Yaakov Cohen added that the preparations are driven by a genuine concern for hosting the expected crowds in an organized and respectful manner. He highlighted that accumulated experience from previous years allows for proactive assessment of access, traffic, and safety arrangements, aiming to prevent overcrowding and enable worshippers to focus on prayer in a calm and secure environment. Cohen also praised the close cooperation and professionalism of the Israel Police in the joint effort.