Over 2,000 mispallalim visited Kever Yosef in PA (Palestinian Authority) occupied Shechem on Monday night, the eve of 20 Tishrei 5774. As has been the case all too often, the Jews wishing to be mispallel at the tziyun were attacked by Arabs with rocks. B’chasdei Hashem there were no injuries but there were reports of damage.

Among the rabbonim present was IDF Chief Rabbi Brigadier-General Rafi Peretz. Many present used the opportunity to be mispallel for Maran HaGaon HaRav Chaim Ovadia Yosef Shlita.

In accordance to the 1993 Oslo Agreement, the PA is responsible to guarantee free access to Jewish worshipers wishing to access the holy site. Today’s reality is quite different however, requiring advanced scheduling for IDF protection and visits are conducted during the cover of night, like thieves in the night. Despite all these efforts and precautions, too often mispallalim are attacked and this frequently results in the IDF rushing them out of the area in the hope of avoiding conflict with PA residents.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)