JERUSALEM — In a striking display of unity, more than 50,000 Jewish worshipers gathered at the Western Wall (Kosel) to recite slichos prayers late last night.

The massive prayer service was dedicated to the return of hostages, the protection of Israel Defense Forces soldiers, and the broader hope for peace in Israel. Worshipers prayed shoulder-to-shoulder, their voices joining together in one of the largest communal gatherings at the holy site in recent memory.

Religious leaders described the turnout as a symbol of strength, faith, and solidarity, as the nation continues to face immense challenges. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation called the prayer service “a profound moment of spiritual resilience.”

The Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest accessible site, has long served as a focal point for both private prayer and national moments of collective supplication.