Rabbi Elimelech Leads Early Morning Prayer Gathering in Safed on Holy Day
How 2 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.
By חיים רוזנבוים
First reported by Arutz Sheva · Jul 18, 2026
What happened
Rabbi Elimelech Biderman led a large early morning prayer service in Safed on the Arizal's holy day, drawing tens of thousands. Concurrently, the Gur Hasidic community prepares a major protest near Military Prison 10 against a yeshiva student's detention, with their Rebbe expected to lead. Various Hasidic leaders are actively engaging in spiritual and communal events across Israel and abroad amid ongoing tensions.
- 01Rabbi Elimelech Biderman led a massive early morning prayer in Safed on the Arizal's yahrzeit.
- 02Tens of thousands visited the Arizal's grave throughout the day for prayers and blessings.
- 03Gur Hasidim plan a large protest near Military Prison 10 over a yeshiva student's arrest.
- 04The Gur Rebbe will lead the protest, with police coordination completed but event size undecided.
- 05Hasidic leaders held special lessons, memorials, and visits to historic sites in Israel and abroad.
- 06The Chernaz Rebbe cut short his vacation to join thousands at the prison gates in solidarity.
Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.
Full coverage · 2 outlets
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