Thousands of worshippers entered the Joseph’s Tomb compound in Shechem (Nablus) overnight Wednesday for special prayers ahead of Rosh Hashanah during the month of mercy and forgiveness. Among the worshippers was a large group of women from Samaria.
The women prayed for a good year, for the security of the people of Israel, for the safety of IDF soldiers, and for the return of the hostages. The entry to the compound was organized by the Samaria Regional Council with assistance from volunteers of the Joseph’s Tomb and Holy Sites Administration affiliated with the council, and was escorted by IDF forces and the Samaria Brigade. Samaria Governor Yossi Dagan said: “Especially in the days before Rosh Hashanah, thousands come to Joseph the Righteous and prove that the connection of the people of Israel to the place is alive, deep and eternal. Joseph’s Tomb is a holy place for the people of Israel and access to it must not be limited to nighttime entries only.”
Dagan added: “We thank the IDF soldiers and all those involved in the work, and we will continue to act until we return to Joseph’s Tomb fully and permanently, with a yeshiva and the flag of Israel flying at the site.” The governer thanked Samaria Brigade Commander David Cohen, Samaria Civil Administration Officer Israel Rosenfeld, Border Police forces, and volunteers of the Joseph’s Tomb Administration affiliated with the Samaria Regional Council.