Two scrolls were dedicated “to elevate the souls of the fallen, the well-being of soldiers and return of the hostages.”
By JNS
A large Torah scroll dedication ceremony to honor Israeli hostages and soldiers in Gaza took place Tuesday afternoon at the Western Wall Plaza in Jerusalem’s Old City.
Two scrolls were dedicated “to elevate the souls of the fallen, the well-being of soldiers and return of the hostages.”
Families of fallen soldiers and hostages as well as evacuees from the north and south attended, as did Rabbis and public figures.
Prayers focused on the speedy return of some 240 hostages being held by Hamas after they were kidnapped on Oct. 7, when thousands of Palestinian terrorists stormed across the border with the Gaza Strip and murdered 1,200 Israelis.
Other prayers were for the health and safety of Israeli soldiers in harm’s way.
Ceremonies are also scheduled for dozens of additional Torah scrolls that will eventually be donated to communities devastated by the war.
The first Torah scroll will be completed on Tuesday at the Western Wall and dedicated the following day to the Kerem Shalom community in the Gaza Envelope.