Thousands pray at Joseph’s Tomb under IDF protection as leaders call to restore Jewish sovereignty and back the IDF in defending the Land of Israel.
On the eve of Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan, thousands of worshippers converged at Joseph’s Tomb in Shechem, entering under the protection of IDF forces and the dedicated volunteers of the Joseph’s Tomb and Holy Sites Administration. The massive, orderly pilgrimage — which remained at the holy site for several hours — showcased the deep, unbroken connection of the Jewish people to their ancient heritage.
Leading the delegation, Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan was joined by the Kaliver Rebbe, Knesset members Tzvi Succot and Michal Waldiger (Religious Zionist Party), Rabbi Noam Waldman (Nir Yeshiva head, Kiryat Arba), and Samaria brigade commander Ariel Gonen. With the Kaliver Rebbe intoning the Shema, attendees lifted their voices in prayer for the welfare of Israeli forces and the safety of the nation.
Yossi Dagan paid tribute to Joseph the Righteous and to the memory of Rehavam Ze’evi, noting the spiritual and historical significance of the site. He praised the Samaria Brigade for guarding the entrance and urged the government to draw strength from Joseph’s legacy — to rely on force and courage to restore full Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. “From here we bless the IDF and our defenders,” Dagan declared, “and call on the Government of Israel to return full sovereignty to the heart of the Land of Israel.”
The Kaliver Rebbe spoke from the heart about his family’s enduring bond with Joseph’s Tomb, calling it “the foundation” for Jewish faith and action. He urged resilience and prayer in the face of ongoing threats and affirmed that the complete Land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people.
MK Tzvi Succot drew a moving parallel between past prayers for hostages and recent reunifications, saying the site’s prayers helped bring captives home and that now it is time to “bring Joseph out of the pit” — to end years of neglect and reclaim the sacred site. MK Michal Waldiger echoed the sentiment, praying for a swift victory over terrorists, the return of hostages and fallen, and a near redemption for the people of Israel.
The event was both spiritual and political: a powerful demonstration of Jewish attachment to Joseph’s Tomb and a clear call from community and national leaders for security, sovereignty, and the protection of Israel’s historical rights in Judea and Samaria.
