Thousands of mispallalim entered Kever Yosef on 2 Rosh Chodesh Tammuz (Wednesday to Thursday) for the yahrzeit and birthday, which is Thursday. Some 2000 people arrived in buses from around Israel as the event was coordinated with the IDF.

There were numerous reports of disturbances directed at IDF soldiers protecting mispallalim during the night. Attacks included at least one firebomb. B’chasdei Hashem no fatalities or injuries were reported.

It is pointed out that in accordance with the Oslo Agreements, the PA (Palestinian Authority) will guarantee safe passage for Jews wishing to visit and pray at holy sites, including Kever Yosef. Since Israel abandoned the tziyun PA residents have burned down the area and vandalized it numerous times. The same holds true with other holy sites, including the Shalom Al Yisrael Shul in Yericho, which was burned down.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)