Tens of thousands gather at Western Wall for major Selichot service

More than 50,000 people attended the main Selichot service at the Western Wall plaza overnight Thursday. According to the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, more than 350,000 worshippers have taken part in the services since the beginning of the Hebrew month of Elul, a figure recorded during just the first half of the month. The foundation noted a significant increase in participation this year, stating that thousands of worshippers gather at the plaza every night to recite the prayers. During Thursday night's service, Mordechai (Suli) Eliav, director-general of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, joined the crowd in prayers for the well-being of IDF soldiers and security forces, as well as for national unity and the peace and security of Israel. The next major Selichot service is scheduled for late Saturday night at 12:15 a.m., with tens of thousands of attendees expected.