Hevron visitors
Hevron visitorsMedia

During the past weekend, an estimated 25,000 people gathered to celebrate the Festival of Sukkot at the Cave of Patriarchs in Hevron. For the first time in twelve years,  Hevron’s old quarter, known as the Kasba, was also accessible.

Throughout the seven days of the Sukkot celebration, the Cave of Patriarchs was opened to the Jewish public.  

Other visitors to Hevron, included Members of Knesset Zeev Elkin, Tzipi Hotovely and Uri Ariel. The Chief Rabbi of Tzfat, Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu and Rabbi Haim Drukman also visited.

Letters of support were also sent to the Jewish communities of Hevron and Kiryat Arba, from five deputy ministers, 14 ministers, 19 members of Knesset and Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin. 

The strong show of support to one of Judaism's holiest cities, has given the residents of Hevron a feeling of solidarity. According to Ruti Hizni, a Hevron resident, the massive number of people visiting, warmed and strengthened the hearts of Hevron's residents. "We get re-energized from one holiday to the next when we see so many of our people coming to visit us."  

Hizni added that "many of the visitors ask us if there apartments available here. We tell them that the places available to live are completely full. But we hope that someday, there will be than just 90 Jewish families living in this city."