Deputy Prime Minister Silvan Shalom said Monday, "There's no doubt about it. Hevron is part of the historical heritage of the Jewish people, the land of our fathers, and will be part of it forever!" Shalom was one of more than 30,000 people to celebrate the Sukkot holiday in the city, according to Haaretz.
All of the Ma'arat Hamachpelah Cave of the Patriarchs was available for Jewish prayer. Outside thousands attended a Hasidic music song festival, which was one of many events and activities that took place. Those activities also included guided tours. Some of the tours went into the Casbah Muslim open-air market, which is usually off-limits to Jews.