[Photos below.] An estimated 100,000 people filled the Kosel plaza last night to say Selichos on the eve of Yom Kippur. In attendance were Rav Ovadiah Yosef, head of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah of Shas, as well as Israel’s Chief Rabbis, Rav Shlomo Amar and Rav Yonah Metzger.
Vehicular traffic to the Kosel area was blocked. Thousands arrived by public transportation, while many others walked to the Kosel from all over Yerushalayim.
Rav Metzger began with the recital of Shir Hamaalos, and Shas Chairman Eli Yishai was honored with saying Kaddish. The Selichos were led by Chazzan Moshe Chavusha.
Housing Minister Ariel Atias recited a Mi Shebeirach for captured IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, Gilad ben Aviva, who will be spending his fourth Yom Kippur in captivity.
For photos of the Selichos gathering, see below:
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{Yair Alpert-Matzav.com Israel}
