Thousands of people entered Joseph’s Tomb last night (Sunday into Monday) during a visit marking Rosh Chodesh Kislev, as part of the regular visits organized by the Samaria Regional Council and the Directorate of Joseph’s Tomb and Holy Sites of Samaria, under the protection of the Samaria Brigade. Leading the group were the newly appointed Sephardi Chief Rabbi, Rabbi David Yosef, Rabbi of Samaria Elyakim Levanon, Samaria Regional Council Head Yossi Dagan, and Samaria Brigade Commander Colonel Ariel Gonen.
Before entering Joseph’s Tomb, Rabbi David Yosef was warmly welcomed by hundreds of students from the Alon Moreh Yeshiva and residents of Samaria. Together with Rabbi Levanon and Council Head Yossi Dagan, they greeted the Sephardi Chief Rabbi with singing and dancing. During the reception, Rabbi Yosef delivered a lecture, offering words of encouragement to the yeshiva students and residents. Upon entering Joseph’s Tomb, he recited prayers for the safety of IDF soldiers and the hostages, while Rabbi Levanon prayed for the healing of the wounded soldiers and the return of the captives.
“We Seek to Strengthen the Settlers in Samaria”
The Sephardi Chief Rabbi recited Psalms and said:
“Why are we here? Because it is ours. We are here because the people of Israel are the rightful owners—not only of this place but of all the Land of Israel. Our presence here is because God gave us the Land of Israel.”
Rabbi Yosef continued:
“We seek to strengthen the hands of all the settlers in Samaria and in all areas of the Land of Israel—everything that belongs to us. Our security comes from having Jews here constantly. With God’s help, we will live in every part of the Land of Israel and populate it. We are all here praying for the success of Israel, for the success of Israeli soldiers. We also pray for the hostages and everyone else. May the people who dwell in Zion live in peace and security without fear, and may we soon merit complete redemption with God’s help.”
Samaria Regional Council Head Yossi Dagan added:
“We are privileged to host the Sephardi Chief Rabbi, Rabbi David Yosef, together with Rabbi of Samaria Elyakim Levanon, the Samaria Brigade Commander, and all the dedicated IDF soldiers. From here, we send our heartfelt blessings to the IDF soldiers and pray for the return of the hostages.”
