In light of the difficult security situation and amidst the ongoing war, Operation Rising Lion, “Am KeLavi Yakum”, leading Israeli rabbis prayed for the success of Israeli forces in a special prayer rally Monday night (June 16) at the Western Wall Plaza.
For the first time since the advent of the COVID pandemic, the Western Wall Plaza — for now — stands empty as it watches over the People of Israel, in accordance with the instructions of Home Front Command and Israel Police.
Chapters of Psalms (Tehillim) were recited along with special penitential prayers (Selichot) and prayers for the protection and success of IDF soldiers and security forces, the healing of the wounded and sick, the swift return of the hostages to their families, and for the unity and security of the people of Israel.
The prayers were accompanied by the sounding of shofars and trumpets, traditionally considered a spiritual aid to victory over Israel’s enemies.
The event took place in the presence of Israel’s chief rabbis:
• Rishon LeZion and President of the Supreme Rabbinical Court, Rabbi David Yosef,
• Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi and President of the Chief Rabbinate Council, Rabbi Kalman Bar,
• Member of the Council of Torah Sages and Rosh Yeshiva of Or HaChaim, Rabbi Reuven Elbaz,
• Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz,
• Rabbi Zamir Cohen, and other prominent rabbis and public figures.
Throughout the rally, the rabbis called upon the public to increase their prayers, faith, and unconditional love for one another, inspired by a sense of both national and spiritual responsibility.
Tens of thousands from across Israel and around the world joined the rally through a live broadcast provided by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation via radio stations and news websites.
