Hebron community spokesman Noam Arnon announced on motzei Shabbos that over 30,000 people spent Shabbos Chayei Sarah in the holy city with 3,000 taking part in the collective seuda hint the tent that was set up near the Machpelah. He adds that cabinet ministers, MKs, rabbonim and public officials spoke and took part in discussions in Kiryat Arba and Hebron.

The guests slept in the homes of residents, schools and other buildings capable of accommodating guests. Hundreds if not thousands of tents were set up in the city as well.

Among the guests were Minister Ze’ev Elkin, Minister David Azoulai, Minister Gila Gamliel, Deputy Minister Eli Ben-Dahan, MK Moti Yogev, MK Betzalel Smotrich, Prof. Elisha Hass, attorney Yoram Sheftal, Chief Rabbi of Beersheva Rabbi Yehuda Deri Shlita, singer Dudu Fischer and many others.

An anonymous philanthropist working via the local Beit Chabad set up the giant tent and covered the costs of meals for those who registered in advance. This was done in cooperation between the Chabad House, the local Jewish community and Hebron’s Hachnasas Orchim Committee.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)