In a powerful moment at Judaism’s holiest site, President Isaac Herzog joined Selichot prayers with freed IDF hostages, lifting Israel’s spirit ahead of the High Holidays.
On Saturday night, the Western Wall echoed with prayers of unity and resilience as President Isaac Herzog joined the Selichot service, led by Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites.
In a moving encounter before the prayers, President Herzog met with three IDF female lookouts—Karina Ariev, Agam Berger, and Naama Levy—who survived brutal captivity in Gaza and have since become living symbols of courage.
From the podium, Herzog began with heartfelt prayers for the safety of IDF soldiers and security forces, followed by Psalms for the return of hostages, the healing of the wounded, and comfort for bereaved families. He also prayed for the swift return of displaced communities to their homes, declaring that the people of Israel will never surrender their homeland.
The presence of freed hostages alongside the President at the Western Wall made the night especially poignant, serving as a reminder that the nation’s strength lies in both unbreakable faith and unyielding unity.
