Jerusalem enters the Jewish holiday season of 2025 under heightened security. With Selichot prayers drawing crowds every evening and the upcoming priestly blessing expected to attract tens of thousands, police forces are preparing for major disruptions. The city will see reinforced patrols, heavy deployments near holy sites, and sweeping changes to traffic arrangements.
Thousands of officers across Jerusalem
The Jerusalem District Police has completed extensive preparations for the High Holidays, from Rosh Hashanah to Simchat Torah. Under the command of District Chief Amir Arzani, thousands of officers and Border Police units will be stationed at key points across the city. The focus will be on the Old City, crowded prayer sites, and popular public areas.
Selichot at the Western Wall
In recent weeks, police have already been securing the nightly Selichot gatherings at the Western Wall, attended by tens of thousands. During Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the deployment will be expanded even further. Authorities are urging worshippers to follow instructions and avoid bringing private vehicles into the Old City.
Road closures and traffic disruptions
Due to the expected heavy crowds, private cars and buses will not be allowed to enter the Old City, especially in the direction of the Western Wall. Police are urging visitors to use public transportation and the “park and ride” services at Mount Scopus, Mount Herzl, and Safra Square.
Among the streets that will be closed or restricted: Ma’ale HaShalom, Jaffa Gate, Yitzhak Kariv, King Solomon, Safra Square, HaTzanchanim, Jerusalem Brigade, Gethsemane, Rockefeller, Sultan Suleiman, and Jericho Road.
Reinforced security operations
Alongside traffic measures, the police are implementing a wide-scale security operation. Patrols will be strengthened throughout the holidays to ensure public safety. The preparations include field inspections, coordination with the Jerusalem Municipality and emergency bodies, and detailed operational planning.
(Western Wall notes in Jerusalem – health and hostages)
Jerusalem as a global focal point
For visitors, the holidays in Jerusalem are a moment of hope and devotion. For residents, they bring both pride and challenges: roadblocks, closures, and overwhelming crowds. Once again, the city demonstrates how a local religious season becomes a universal symbol of faith, identity, and security.
Call to the public
The police urge the public to remain alert and report any unusual incidents to the 100 emergency hotline, or contact the national police information center at 110 for updates.
