Jerusalem, Israel - Aug. 11, 2024  - Tens of thousands are expected to visit the Kotel for the recitation of lamentations and the reading of the Book of Eichah (Lamentations). Before the fast ends, at 19:00, there will be a prayer and a call for the unity of Israel from the Western Wall Plaza, with the participation of thousands and a live broadcast to dozens of locations in Israel and around the world.

As Tisha B'Av approaches, the day on which we mourn the destruction of the two Temples—the First Temple and the Second Temple—the Western Wall Heritage Foundation is preparing, as it does every year, to welcome the many who will flock to the Western Wall, the remnant of the Temple, to read the Book of Lamentations and recite lamentations near the site of the destruction.

From Monday evening, the eve of the 9th of Av 5784, until the late hours of the following night, Jews from all backgrounds and communities will come to mark the day of mourning at the most symbolic place of the destruction. Thousands will sit on the ground and lament the destruction of G-d's house in all the traditions and versions, as is fitting for a place that unites and brings the nation together.

On Monday evening, August 12, 2024, the eve of Tisha B'Av 5784, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation will hold a  reading of the Book of Lamentations and the recitation of lamentations by cantors in both Sephardic and Ashkenazi traditions.

The recitation of the lamentations will be broadcast by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation on the Western Wall website for those who cannot physically come to the Western Wall Plaza, starting at 22:00.
Click here to watch the broadcast.

The highlights at the Western Wall are expected to occur as the end of the fast approaches, at 19:00, when the entire nation of Israel will unite at the Western Wall Plaza for a call and prayer for the unity of Israel on this day of self-reflection regarding baseless hatred. The prayer will also be for the return of the hostages, for the safety of the soldiers and recovery of the wounded, with the participation of the rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, other rabbis and public figures, the families of the hostages, and bereaved families.  
In addition, a moving scene occurs every year in the evening hours at sunset as the fast nears its end, where thousands of Jews from all sectors come together in an emotional display of comfort and redemption. The prayer and singing will be broadcast live on the Western Wall Heritage Foundation website and in dozens of locations in Israel and around the world.

Link to the broadcast starting at 18:30.
At the conclusion of the fast, drinks and light refreshments will be distributed at the Western Wall Plaza for those finishing the fast there.

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation's preparations will continue until the late hours of the night (around 2 AM) as crowds led by rabbis and Torah scholars gather for the Kiddush Levanah ceremony, which is traditionally held with a large crowd at the end of Tisha B'Av.

Please note that there will be no private vehicle access to the Old City, and visitors are advised to use public transportation only.

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation requests that the public follow the instructions of the Israel Police and the guidance of the ushers.