Chaos Erupts at Kever Rachel as Transportation System Collapses; Thousands Stranded

The annual yahrtzeit celebration of Rachel Imeinu descended into “absolute chaos” on Motzoei Shabbos as a severe transportation collapse left thousands of mispalelim stranded, with many forced to march long distances on foot, according to witnesses who spoke with Israeli media.

Crowds arriving at the kever complex reported heavy congestion, long delays, and a significant lack of coordination between organizing agencies.

Reports from the scene described massive lines forming at the exit from the kever, with mispalelim waiting extended periods for buses that failed to arrive. The central transportation hub at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem, designated for shuttles to the site, was also plagued by gridlock as buses did not arrive on time, leaving the public waiting.

Sources involved in the event’s preparations told B’chadrei Charedim that the number of buses allocated for this year’s yahrtzeit was insufficient for the “heavy load,” stating that “there were many more mispalelim than expected, and the system was unable to cope.”

However, the Ministry of Transportation rejected this assessment, claiming there was no shortage of buses. The Ministry placed responsibility for traffic arrangements on the police and noted that, under police guidance, departures from Teddy Stadium to the kever were halted due to the “unusual congestion” at the site.

Police and Border Guard soldiers were deployed to provide security and maintain order. Authorities reported that at one point, participants “began to disrupt order by attempting to forcefully enter the kever complex, which was crowded and at the maximum occupancy allowed.”

In response, forces worked to restore order and partially and temporarily closed public entrance to the complex.

Adding to the confusion, police decided not to allow passenger drop-offs near the checkpoint to “prevent friction and jostling.” This order required the public to walk to the “yellow gate,” a move that sources on the ground said caused additional congestion.