The IDF and police are completing plans for the thousands who are expected to visit the tziyun of Yehoshua Ben Nun tonight, the eve of 26 Nissan 5772. The tziyun is located in the Arab village of Kifl Charis in Shomron, near Ariel. The kevarim of Kalev ben Yefuneh and Nun, the father of Yehoshua are also in the village.
As in past years, logistical preparations for the event are enormous since Israel’s peace partner does not welcome Jews entering autonomous areas. Therefore, an extremely large force is required in and around the village, as well as along the route, to ensure the safety of mispallalim who plan to visit the tziyun. “Dual existence” is defined as PA (Palestinian Authority) residents enjoying the benefits of the State of Israel while Jews entering PA autonomous areas are lynched.
According to the daily HaMevaser the doors will open at 21:00 and the tziyun will be shut down at 03:00. A large parking area will be operating at Ariel Junction, and private vehicles will not be permitted past this point.
Rav Chaim Reicher of Yisod Olam, which organizes visits to kivrei tzaddikim, is pleased. The rabbi explains that with each passing year the number of participants increases, pointing out the tziyun is 30 minutes from the center of the country, no more.
Kikar Shabbat adds that Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita is interested in attending also, inquiring as to security arrangement for mispallalim. The gadol hador added “Yehoshua learned Torah from Moshe Rabbeinu”.
One of the rav’s grandsons is quoted as asking why is this kever so special that he wishes to travel to it. Rav Ovadia responded “Where is there another kever like Yehoshua ben Nun? Tell me where! Rav Shimon bar Yochai? He did not reach Yehoshua’s level. He learned from Moshe Rabbeinu and is from the greats among the first prophets who spoke with HaKadosh Baruch Hu. There is no one like this”.
While the rav wishes to take part, his doctors are not giving him permission to make the trip.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
Sieze the opportunity to go this year, because both last 2 years & next 2 years, the Yohrzeit comes out on Shabbos, so this is literally a 1 in 5 year chance to go on the actual Yohrzeit.