Joseph's Tomb Rosh Hashanah Prayers Draw Thousands

Thousands of worshippers entered the Joseph's Tomb compound in Nablus on Wednesday night for special prayers ahead of Rosh Hashanah, during the month of Selichot (penitential prayers). Among the participants was a large contingent of women from Samaria who offered prayers for the security of the Jewish people and the safety of Israel Defense Forces soldiers.

The Samaria Regional Council organized the entry in coordination with volunteers from the Joseph's Tomb and Holy Sites Administration, a council-affiliated body. IDF forces and the Samaria Brigade provided security for the visit. The women who traveled to the site prayed for a good new year, for Israel's security, and for the wellbeing of IDF soldiers serving throughout the country.

Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, called for expanded access to the site beyond the current nighttime-only visits. "Joseph's Tomb is a holy place for the Jewish people, and access to it should not be limited to nighttime entries alone," he said. "We thank the IDF soldiers and all those involved in this work, and we will continue to act until we return to Joseph's Tomb fully and permanently, with a yeshiva and the Israeli flag flying at the site."

Dagan also emphasized the significance of the timing: "Especially in the days before Rosh Hashanah, thousands come to Joseph the Righteous and prove that the connection of the Jewish people to this place is alive, deep and eternal."

Dagan expressed gratitude to the security forces and professionals who facilitated the entry, including Samaria Brigade Commander David Cohen, Samaria Civil Administration Officer Israel Rosenfeld, Border Police units, and volunteers from the Joseph's Tomb Administration affiliated with the Samaria Regional Council.

The visit took place during the month of Selichot leading up to Rosh Hashanah, with thousands of worshippers arriving at the compound under security escort. Joseph's Tomb, believed to be the burial site of the biblical patriarch Joseph, is located in Area A of the West Bank under Palestinian Authority civil control, requiring coordination with Israeli security forces for Jewish visits.