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Praying at the tomb
Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg
Visit coordinated with IDF
Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg

Thousands visit Tomb of Joshua

Traditional celebration in Kifl Hares coordinated with IDF, Palestinians, unlike infiltrations to Joseph's Tomb. Chief Rabbi Metzger calls on worshippers to coordinate pilgrimages with security forces

Thousands of Jewish worshippers visited the Tomb of Joshua in the Palestinian village of Kifl Hares near Ariel on Friday. The pilgrimage, marking the anniversary to Joshua's death, was organized by the Shomron Regional Council and coordinated with the Israel Defense Forces, unlike the infiltration to Joseph's Tomb earlier this week which resulted in the death of Yosef Ben Livnat.

 

The worshippers gathered around the site for a mass prayer of Aleinu which Joshua allegedly penned. The site was guarded by IDF forces. Local Palestinian residents were allowed to move freely and some even opened their shops for the worshippers to enjoy.

 

Among the worshippers were Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger, Minister of Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs Yuli Edelstein, MK Danny Danon (Likud) and three National Union MKs.


Chief Rabbi Metzger and MK Danon (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg)

 

A haredi man who purchased a waterpipe in one of the Palestinian shops aroused angry responses by some of the worshippers who shouted "don't buy in Arab shops."

 

Fathi Buzib, former head of the village said he welcomed all the worshippers. "Every person has a right to pray and we honor our guests. Nevertheless, it's a pity some of them came to stir a mess. I'm glad the army removed them from the site."

 

Chief Rabbi Metzger addressed the shooting incident in Joseph's Tomb and said he opposed uncoordinated pilgrimage.

 

"Every Jew has a right to visit Joseph's Tomb but it must be coordinated with the security forces. Take great care of your souls. I call on government ministers to allow more people to enter the site, not just once a month, especially as this is stipulated in all the agreements."

 

Shomron Regional Council head Gershon Mesika called on Israeli leaders to learn from Joshua. "Sever the hand of any person who lifts it against a Jew. Our leaders must learn from Joshua's power and decisive way."

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 04.29.11, 09:17
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