Tens of Thousands Gather at Western Wall to Mark 1958 Years Since Temple Destruction on Tisha B'Av

On Thursday, tens of thousands of Jews gathered at the Western Wall in Jerusalem to observe Tisha B'Av, commemorating 1958 years since the destruction of the First and Second Temples. The solemn day, considered the most severe fast among rabbinic fasts except Yom Kippur, began at sunset Wednesday and continued until nightfall Thursday, with worshippers adhering to the five afflictions: refraining from eating and drinking, bathing, anointing, marital relations, and wearing leather shoes.

From the start of the fast until early morning, large crowds prayed at the Western Wall plaza, the site believed to be where the Divine Presence has never departed. The influx of worshippers continued throughout the night and was expected to increase as the fast concluded. Participants observed mourning customs, including sitting on low stools and reciting kinnot (lamentations) recounting the destruction and other Jewish tragedies such as the Bar Kokhba revolt and the expulsions from Spain and Gush Katif.

In recent years, the fast's conclusion has become a moving communal event in Jerusalem. After evening prayers, thousands from diverse segments of Israeli society gathered to sing songs of yearning, consolation, and messianic hope. Following the singing, the blessing of the new moon was recited, and food and drink were distributed to those breaking the fast. The ancient stones of the Western Wall echoed the traditional closing verse of the Book of Lamentations: "Restore us to You, O Lord, and we shall be restored; renew our days as of old," expressing the enduring hope for the coming of the righteous Messiah and the rebuilding of the Temple.