For anyone standing at Yerushalayim’s Binyanei Ha’uma it was easy to appreciate just how many mispallalim were boarding accordion buses heading for Kever Rochel on the yahrzeit, 11 Cheshvan. Buses pulled up and filled immediately, only to be followed by another, moments later. An estimated 70,000 mispallalim visited the holy site in PA (Palestinian Authority) occupied Beit Lechem during the yahrzeit.

For a first time in a number of years the day’s events flowed without significant back up. A large police and IDF presence was maintained and numerous volunteer organizations took part including Zaka, Ichud Hatzalah. MDA did its part and Egged played a major role as it significantly stepped up service on the 163 line.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)