Tens of thousands gather at Western Wall for first Selichot service of the year

The traditional Selichot services commenced on Saturday night at the Western Wall Plaza, drawing tens of thousands of worshipers. The event, which marks the beginning of the month of Elul in the Hebrew calendar, is part of the penitential prayers observed leading up to the High Holy Days. During the service, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, the Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Places, led the prayers. He offered heartfelt petitions for unity among the Jewish people, the safety of IDF soldiers and security forces, and for the peace and security of Israel.