Thousands Gather in Jerusalem for Major Religious Zionist Heritage Event Honoring Rabbi Kook
Over 12,000 participants from across Israel convened at Binyanei HaUma in Jerusalem for a two-day event titled "3 Elul, Saluting the Path," commemorating the legacy of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook. The gathering featured continuous Torah study sessions led by prominent rabbis, alongside special tributes to IDF reservists, wounded soldiers, and the settlement movement. The event also included immersive 360-degree cinema experiences and family-friendly activities.
Notable attendees included rabbis, yeshiva heads, and public figures such as Jerusalem's Education Committee chair Hagit Moshe and ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Orit Strook. The climax was the "Lights" concert, which brought together singers Abraham Fried, Biny Landau, Aharon Razel, and combatant musicians, blending soulful melodies with themes of heroism. A highlight was Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich dancing on stage alongside his father, Rabbi Yerucham Smotrich.
Organizers expressed satisfaction with the event, describing Rabbi Kook's heritage as a "tribal bonfire" deeply rooted in the Religious Zionist community, connecting Torah, nation, and land. The event was held in cooperation with the Jerusalem Municipality and celebrated the enduring influence of Rabbi Kook's teachings on Israeli society and identity.
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