Tisha B'Av: Thousands Expected at Western Wall for Day of Prayer

As Tisha B’Av arrived, the Western Wall was prepared to welcome tens of thousands of worshippers for one of the most solemn days in the Jewish calendar. Marking the destruction of both the First and Second Temples, Tisha B’Av has long drawn crowds to the site that remains a symbol of resilience, mourning, and unity.

The holy day began yesterday, Saturday night, August 2, 2025. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation hosted a public reading of Eicha (Lamentations) and the recitation of Kinot (elegies), which were be broadcasted live for global audiences unable to attend in person. The reading began at 10:00 p.m. and drew a significant turnout at the plaza and online.

Throughout the day on Sunday, worshippers from across Israel and the Jewish diaspora will continue to arrive, many sitting on the ground in traditional mourning, reciting prayers and mourning the destruction of our Temple.

A national prayer for unity will take place at 7:00 p.m. today, shortly before the fast ends. Led by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, along with public figures, bereaved families, and families of hostages, the event will focus not only on historic grief but on present-day collective pain and hope, including prayers for the return of hostages and healing for IDF soldiers and the wounded.

In an emotional yearly tradition, thousands are expected to join in singing and prayer in the final moments of the fast. The event will be live-streamed by the Foundation starting at 6:30 p.m., reaching dozens of communities across Israel and the world.

To accommodate the crowds, refreshments will be distributed in individual kits for those breaking their fast at the site.

Following the fast, late-night gatherings will continue as rabbis and Torah scholars lead the traditional Kiddush Levanah (sanctification of the new moon) ceremony at the Western Wall, concluding the day with prayers for renewal and unity.