1400 Jews Pray at Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus After IDF Secures Area

In a remarkable and peaceful gathering, 1,400 Jews visited the tomb of Joseph in Nablus early Thursday morning, just days before Yom Kippur. This visit, protected by the IDF, unfolded amid an unusually calm atmosphere for the region, known for its volatile security situation.

The site, located in the heart of Samaria, is generally off-limits to visitors due to ongoing threats from local terrorist groups. Nablus, home to several densely populated refugee camps, has long been a hub for violent activity, with frequent discoveries of weapons, explosives, and suicide vests during military raids. Despite this, a special arrangement allowed a much larger group than usual to visit Joseph’s tomb to engage in midnight prayers and recite psalms and selichot, prayers for mercy leading up to the High Holy Days.

Typically, visits to Joseph’s tomb only occur monthly and involve a small group of worshippers. These visitors must be closely guarded by soldiers, as the site is often targeted by terrorists who throw explosives at the worshippers. However, Thursday's gathering, consisting of soldiers, their families, local settlers, and even a few Gold Star families who had lost children in combat, was far larger. Despite the high turnout, attendees reported only minimal disturbances, with just a few explosives heard during the night a stark contrast to the usual conditions.

“I always heard that going to Nablus was dangerous, and I wasn’t sure what to expect the first time,” shared one visitor, whose relative is stationed in the area. “However, it was pleasant, and the people were singing it didn’t feel tense at all. I sensed the IDF really had the situation under control.”

The timing of these visits is carefully chosen to reduce the risk of provocation. Held after midnight, they allow worshippers to visit the holy site without drawing unnecessary attention from terrorist factions in the area. This particular visit followed an intense IDF operation in Nablus on Wednesday, where Yammam special forces neutralized four terrorists who were planning attacks against Israelis. One of the key figures targeted was Issam a-Salaj, a commander in the Balata Battalion of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade.

Earlier that day, a riot broke out in Nablus, which was swiftly subdued by Israeli forces. These operations underscore the continuing threat in the area and the precautions necessary to protect visitors to the site.

Despite the challenges, this gathering of 1,400 worshippers reflects the enduring connection of the Jewish people to their sacred heritage, even in the face of danger. As the IDF continues to ensure the safety of such pilgrimages, the Jewish people remain determined to preserve their ancient traditions in the land of Israel.

Israel continues to safeguard its people and uphold its values, balancing the need for security with the deep spiritual connection to its historical sites.

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