In a powerful display of faith and unity, over a thousand Jews from across Israel retraced the ancient gates of the Temple Mount, praying and mourning the loss of the Holy Temple ahead of Tisha B’Av
Under the moonlit sky of Jerusalem, around 1,200 men, women, and children gathered last night for the traditional Gate Tour surrounding the Temple Mount—the holiest site in Jewish history and the location of the ancient Temple.
Following a historic pilgrimage route, participants set out from the Western Wall Plaza, winding through Al-Wad Street, past the Lions’ Gate, along the Ofel Road, and finally reaching the Dung Gate. At each of the Temple Mount’s gates, they paused to pray, their voices rising in solemn reverence.
This year’s procession was imbued with extra significance, falling within the Nine Days—the first days of the Hebrew month of Menachem Av, a period of deep mourning that leads to the fast of Tisha B’Av, the day commemorating the destruction of both the First and Second Temples.
Families traveled from across the country—from the hills of Judea and Samaria to Israel’s coastal cities—to join the moving ceremony. Among them was a newly arrived Jewish immigrant from England, who had only set foot in Israel three days earlier. After visiting the Western Wall for the first time, he was drawn into the Gate Tour, sharing in its prayers and history.
Rabbi Yossi Pelai, who led the event, told Arutz Sheva – Israel National News:
“It was uplifting to witness so many people expressing their longing for the Temple and their deep connection to this holy site. We are especially grateful to Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, whose support ensured the event could proceed as planned.”
For many participants, the night was not just a walk through the streets of Jerusalem—it was a walk through history, faith, and the enduring hope for the rebuilding of the Temple.
