A dramatic standoff unfolded last week at Kever Rochel when security forces moved to shut down the site—the last place that had maintained uninterrupted tefillah throughout the months of war—before a swift intervention led to a solution allowing it to reopen with limitations.
At the height of Operation “Roaring Lion,” representatives from the Home Front Command and police arrived at the kever near Bais Lechem intending to close it immediately due to a lack of sufficient protective measures.
Since the start of the fighting, the site had remained open 24/7, serving as a central place for thousands of mispallelim who came to be mispallel and pour out their hearts during this eis tzarah. However, stricter security directives brought about a decision to shut it down entirely due to safety concerns.
The site’s director, Reb Eyal Attia, who has been running the site with true mesirus nefesh since the beginning of the war, refused to accept the closure. He fought strongly against the decision, stressing the importance of keeping the kol of Torah and tefillah going at such a makom kadosh, especially in a time like this.
It was learned that the Director-General of the Ministry of Religious Services, Yehuda Avidan, stepped in to assist. Within less than 48 hours of intense efforts and coordination with the relevant authorities, a practical solution was achieved.
Two reinforced mobile shelters were brought in and installed at the site for the protection of the tzibbur, making it possible to reopen in accordance with Home Front Command regulations.
Following the placement of the shelters, the hanhalah is preparing for a structured reopening under official safety guidelines. At this point, entry will be limited to 100 people at a time to ensure the safety of those coming to daven at the kever of Rochel Imeinu.
{Matzav.com}
