Israel jams up as hundreds of thousands hit roads before holiday
Vehicles have started blocking country's highways ahead of Rosh Hashana Eve. INF prepares for massive turnout in parks, forests tomorrrow
Heavy traffic jams have been registered across Israel since Wednesday morning, and have since intensified, expected to peak around the evening, as Rosh Hashana enters.
Around noon heavy traffic was reported on Route 6 from Wadi Ara Junction heading north. On Route 70, from Yagur Junction to Ahihud Junction. Heavy traffic was also felt on Route 1 from Sha'alvim area to Latrun Junction.
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Several hours before the holiday, it was hard to find parking in Haifa's Talpiot Market as thousands stormed the bazaar for some last minute grocery shopping.
Netanya Junction north (Photo: Ido Erez)
Dorit Krieger went to the market to do the same, and smilingly told how she was working hard at the oven until 4 am, cooking for her expected 17 guests. "Now I'm mainly buying the last items, dates, pomegranates, things I had no room to store.
(Photo: Moti Kimchi)
"Truth is, I've been working until the last minute because I'm a teacher, so yesterday I was still at the school."
She added that her favorite dish is her own gefilte-fish recipe, the secret to which is "love, but in actual practice it's best to taste the mix before cooking."
Modisho Mandosego will also take part in a holiday feast with more than 20 relatives. "We're serving several kinds of fish: Carp, Salmon and St. Peter's fish. There'll be meat as well and of course Injera (traditional Ethiopian bread). Most of it is ready, but we're buying some fish on the last minute."
Ami Cohen was sent by his aunt for the "small stuff you always forget. This time it's mostly fruit and Bulgur," he explained. Tonight he will celebrate with his aunt, brothers and other relatives arriving from Tiberias.
"In the traditional meal I'm especially partial to cooked olives, small beans with meat and the special holiday salads," he said. "I wish everyone a healthy year and may we be blessed with peace," he smiled.
Over the holiday hundreds of thousands are expected in Israel forests and parks, and The Jewish National Fund urged citizens to avoid littering.
Meanwhile, police are continuing its increased deployment across Israel, as a special holiday alert.
Ahiya Raved, Raanan Ben-Zur and Hassan Shaalan contributed to this report
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