Jerusalem Police Reinforce Security for Final Western Wall Selichot Prayers
Israel Police reinforced security in Jerusalem as tens of thousands attended the final Selichot prayers at the Western Wall, joined by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Ahead of the Selichot prayers held on Saturday in Jerusalem, the Israel Police reinforced security forces deployed across the city. The Jerusalem District's preparations for the Selichot services at the Western Wall continue nightly to secure tens of thousands of worshippers and visitors from across the country. Among those attending was Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The final prayer, which includes the annulment of vows and curses, concludes 40 days of Selichot in the Sephardic tradition and about two weeks in the Ashkenazi tradition, gathering tens of thousands of worshippers—women and men, secular and religious alike.
The prayer also marks the end of the Ten Days of Repentance between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. According to Jewish tradition, a person's fate is written on Rosh Hashanah and sealed on Yom Kippur, drawing massive crowds to the Western Wall plaza throughout the month.
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation noted that over 2 million worshippers participated in Selichot services held from the beginning of the month of Elul until the eve of Yom Kippur. Prayers were dedicated to the salvation of the entire nation of Israel, with the participation of freed hostages, captive families, wounded IDF soldiers, and security forces.
