Tens of thousands of Jews came to Hevron on Shabbat on the occasion of the reading of the Torah portion of Chayei Sarah, which discusses Abraham's acquisition of the Machpelah Cave as a burial site for his wife Sarah. Among those visiting Hevron this Shabbat were Justice Minister Yaakov Neeman, and National Union MK Uri Ariel.

Prayers were held at the Machpelah Cave, with thousands of Jews attending. The entire facility was in use by Jews on Shabbat, including the Yitzchak Cave, which is usually reserved for Muslim worshippers. Tours were conducted for the many visitors of the Jewish areas of Hevron, community officials said.