Thousands took part in Selichot penitential prayer services at the Western Wall this morning in honor of Yom Kippur - the Day of Atonement - that begins this evening... Similarly, at Joseph's Tomb in Shechem, some 700 people from around the country participated in a special prayer service early this morning. This week marks four years since Israel has not had a presence at the holy site, having been chased out by terrorist fire during the early days of the fighting known as the Oslo War...



Public transportation will cease this afternoon around 1 PM, and will resume only tomorrow night after the day of fasting ends... Most Jews will attend prayer services during the holiday, and a guard will be posted outside each synagogue... The traditional pre-fast meal will be held for dozens of homeless and needy in Haifa this afternoon, organized by local charity organizations...



****The Arutz-7 staff prays that this Yom Kippur truly be a "day of friendship and love," as we recite in the Yom Kippur prayers. May it herald the beginning of a year of fortitude against those who wish to harm us, as well as one of true peace and growth, personally and nationally. May the Nation of Israel overcome all difficulties, retain in entirety its legacy of Torah, Land and Nation, and emerge all the stronger from the many challenges we face.