Israel Orders West Bank Closed for Yom Kippur
The West Bank was closed by the Israeli military ahead of Yom Kippur.
Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon ordered the closure, which begins at 11:59 p.m. Thursday and will remain in effect until the same time on Saturday.
Palestinians needing humanitarian assistance will be able to enter Israel with the permission of the Civil Administration.
Ben Gurion Airport also will be closed to all flights from 2 p.m. Friday, Yom Kippur eve, through Saturday night following the end of Yom Kippur. All radio and television stations also go off the air for the Day of Atonement.
Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, coincides this year with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, the second most important holiday on the Muslim calendar. Eid al-Adha commemorates the near sacrifice by Abraham of his son Issac.
Fearing clashes between Jews and Muslims during the holiday observances, police will increase their presence in mixed Arab- and Jewish-Israeli cities — especially in Jerusalem and Acre — according to Israel Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld.
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
That’s why I’m paying it Forward, by matching $36,000 of reader gifts. It’s an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, to continue telling the American Jewish story with truth and independence.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
