NABLUS (SHECHEM), WEST BANK – In a powerful display of unity, faith, and resilience, thousands of worshipers gathered overnight at Joseph’s Tomb in the heart of Nablus. Leading the entry were bereaved families of fallen IDF soldiers and terror victims, calling for Israel to see the war through to a decisive victory.
A Night of Prayer During the Counting of the Omer
The pilgrimage took place on the night of “Yesod Sheb’Yesod”—a spiritually significant date in Kabbalistic tradition associated with Joseph the Righteous. Thousands of Israelis from across the country took part, entering the city under IDF escort.
Among those present were the parents of brothers Hillel and Yigal Yaniv, murdered in a terror attack, the widow of Yitzhak Zeiger, an Israeli civilian killed in an attack, and the parents of Maj. Binyamin “Bania” Rein, an IDF officer killed in the Second Lebanon War.
Finish the War—So Our Children Did Not Die in Vain
Shalom Yaniv, father of Hillel and Yigal, delivered a heartfelt plea: “We ask that this war be finished with victory. God forbid the blood of our children be spilled in vain.”
Shimon Rein, father of Maj. Rein z”l, echoed the sentiment: “It’s either us or them. We came here to strengthen the soldiers of Israel. This generation has proven to be one of incredible young warriors.”
Shlomit Zeiger, widow of Yitzhak Zeiger, added: “Yitzhak gave everything for the people of Israel. I ask the state—see this through to the end, to victory. Let us reach the place we deserve.”
Prayers for Soldiers, Wounded, and Hostages
The event concluded with communal prayers for the safety of IDF soldiers, the recovery of the wounded, and the safe return of all hostages held in Gaza.
Security Call: “Strike Our Enemies with Strength”
Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, called for increased military action: “We must learn from Joseph the Righteous and from Joshua Bin Nun—to strike our enemies with decisive force. Especially in terror hubs like Burqin, we need a military campaign wherever necessary. A ground maneuver, like any normal country would do to protect its citizens.”
