Former Hamas Hostages Join Selichot Prayers at Western Wall

The presence of former captives added profound significance to the prayers. Among those attending was Bar Kuperstein, who returned from captivity and shared how he and five other hostages held with him in a tunnel made a courageous decision to observe the fast of Tisha B'Av while still in captivity, believing with faith and hope that it would help bring about their release.

Also present were Eliya Cohen and Ziv Cohen, who recently married in an emotional wedding ceremony. Eliya, who survived 505 days in Hamas captivity, and Ziv, who survived the massacre at the Nova music festival, came to thank God for the miracle of their survival.

Thousands of worshippers gathered Saturday night at the Western Wall plaza for the central Selichot service, penitential prayers recited in the lead-up to the Jewish High Holidays. The moving ceremony featured special participation by former hostages who offered prayers of thanksgiving for their return to their families and the Jewish people.

The gathering was attended by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, along with released hostages Noa Argamani, Itay Regev, Omer Shem Tov, Bar Kuperstein, Eliya Cohen, and Ziv Cohen.

During the service, Rabbi Rabinowitz joined the former captives and the assembled thousands in reciting a special prayer of thanksgiving for the return of the released hostages, alongside heartfelt prayers for the safety of Israeli soldiers and security forces, for national unity, and for peace and security for Israel.

Since the beginning of the Hebrew month of Elul, more than 150,000 worshippers have participated in Selichot services held throughout the past week at the Western Wall plaza, with each gathering drawing massive crowds from across the country.

The next central Selichot service at the Western Wall plaza will take place this coming Thursday, the 14th of Elul (August 27), at 12:15 a.m., with thousands of worshippers expected to attend.