More than 50,000 worshippers filled the Western Wall Plaza on Thursday night for the central Selichot prayers, a powerful annual tradition held in the lead-up to the High Holidays. The prayers were broadcast live on giant screens at the edges of the plaza and projected on the ancient walls of Jaffa Gate at the entrance to Jerusalem’s Old City, allowing thousands more to take part.
This year’s gathering carried added poignancy with the presence of hostage survivor Emily Damari, who spent 471 harrowing days in Hamas captivity before her release. As she arrived at the Western Wall to join in prayer, the vast crowd erupted in cheers, welcoming her with deep affection and respect.
Damari came to the holy site wearing a strip of tape across her chest bearing the number 720—a solemn reminder of the number of days the remaining hostages have endured in captivity. She joined the worshippers in heartfelt prayer for their safe return.
Speaking to the crowd, Damari shared how the Selichot services had given her strength even during captivity.
“In the midst of darkness and isolation, I had one moment of light. On one of the Selichot nights, I managed to listen to the radio. I was deeply moved to hear the Selichot broadcast live from the Western Wall Plaza and the prayers that were being said there for the hostages. It gave me strength. It gave me hope.”
Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, led prayers for the safe return of all hostages, comfort for bereaved families, protection for IDF soldiers, healing for the wounded, and peace and security for the people of Israel.
Among the dignitaries present were the Chief Rabbi of Tzfat, Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu; Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Gila Gamliel; Minister of Heritage Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu; and other public officials.
The massive turnout once again caused the narrow alleys of the Old City to overflow, making the large-scale live broadcast essential. Worshippers across Jerusalem joined together in the stirring midnight prayers, uniting in faith and hope at one of Judaism’s holiest sites.
