developing· Security· Updated
Jerusalem Road Closures Planned for Rachel's Tomb Pilgrimage
The Jerusalem District Police and the Jerusalem Municipality have finalized security and traffic preparations for the annual pilgrimage to Rachel's Tomb, commemorating the yahrzeit of Rachel Imeinu on the 11th of Cheshvan. Tens of thousands of worshippers are expected to visit the tomb, located on the outskirts of Bethlehem, to pray and light candles on Wednesday, October 21, and Thursday, October 22, 2026.
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What happened
- 01Tens of thousands of worshippers are expected to attend the annual pilgrimage to Rachel's Tomb on October 21 and 22, 2026.
- 02Jerusalem District Commander Superintendent Avshalom Peled approved the operational security and traffic plans for the event.
- 03Police, Border Police, and volunteers will deploy along routes leading to the tomb to maintain order and safety.
- 04Private vehicle access to Rachel's Tomb will be restricted, with several major roads closed during the event.
- 05Road closures will run Wednesday from 3:00 PM to 2:00 AM and Thursday from 12:00 PM to midnight.
- 06Affected routes include the Rosemary Junction, the turn from Route 60, and Ma'aleh Drora from Har Homa.
- 07David Ayalon Street near Teddy Stadium will be closed in both directions to facilitate public transport.
- 08A shuttle service will operate from Teddy Stadium, and police urge attendees to use it instead of private cars.
To manage the heavy traffic and ensure public safety, Jerusalem District Commander Superintendent Avshalom Peled approved a comprehensive operational plan. Police officers, Border Police, and volunteers will be deployed along the routes leading to the site. Private vehicle access to the tomb will be severely restricted, and several key roads will be closed to unauthorized vehicles.
Road closures will be in effect on Wednesday from 3:00 PM to 2:00 AM, and on Thursday from 12:00 PM until midnight. Affected routes include the right lane of the entrance from Begin Road to the Rosemary Junction, the right turn from Route 60, Ma'aleh Drora (or Ma'aleh Darga) from the Har Homa neighborhood, and the entrance road to Rachel's Tomb at the Rosemary Junction. Additionally, David Ayalon Street near Teddy Stadium will be closed in both directions.
To facilitate access, a centralized shuttle service will operate between Teddy Stadium and the pilgrimage site. Police are urging attendees to park at the stadium, use the designated shuttles or public transport, and check Waze for traffic updates.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 4 newsrooms. Updated
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Jerusalem Road Closures Planned for Rachel's Tomb Pilgrimage
