Tens of Thousands Join Selichot Prayers at Western Wall with Hostages' Survivors Present

On Thursday evening, approximately 50,000 worshippers gathered at the Western Wall plaza for the second major Selichot prayer event of the season. The ceremony was led by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch, the Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, who offered heartfelt prayers for the safety of IDF soldiers and security forces. Among the attendees were notable figures including Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, survivors of captivity Bar Kupershtein and Agam Berger, as well as wounded IDF soldiers. The crowd united in fervent supplication for the unity of the Israeli people and the security of the state during these Days of Awe.

Since the beginning of the Hebrew month of Elul, over 150,000 people have participated in various Selichot prayer gatherings at the Western Wall. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation announced that the next central Selichot event will take place on Saturday night, August 22, at 12:15 AM, expecting thousands of participants. Additionally, Channel 14 will broadcast the Selichot prayers live from the Western Wall every evening starting Saturday night.

This event reflects the deep communal spirit and the collective prayers for peace and protection amid ongoing security challenges faced by Israel.