Tens of thousands visit the Western Wall Plaza 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 eading of the Book of Lamentations and the recitation of lamentations by cantors in both Sephardic and Ashkenazi traditions.