Ahead of Purim Holiday: Hundreds Ascended Last Night to Pray at Joseph's Tomb | Watch

Thousands of people entered Joseph's Tomb in Nablus during the last night (Thursday) ahead of the Fast of Esther and Purim holiday. This was part of the regular entries organized by the Samaria Regional Council, with IDF escort and approval.

Among those entering were: MK Bezalel Abraham, Deputy Head of Samaria Council Davidi Ben Zion, Rabbi Uri Sharki, the father of Shuval Ben Natan who fell in Gaza, and the one leading the struggle to restore permanent presence at Joseph's Tomb - Rabbi Dudu Ben Natan, as well as the widow of Yehuda Dror Yahalom, who fell in Lebanon 5 months ago, two months after their wedding day.

Head of Samaria Council Yossi Dagan called to restore full control over Joseph's Tomb: "There is no real reason to continue this absurdity, where a place that should be under full Israeli control, even according to the cursed Oslo Accords, has remained abandoned for over 24 years. One of the holiest places for the Jewish people. I call on the government to act to restore the permanent presence at the site, to correct this disgrace, and to allow every Jew to pray at this holy place without fear. There should be a complete reversal, to fully return to Joseph's Tomb."

The Samaria Regional Council emphasizes the importance of permanent Jewish presence at the site, explained that according to the Oslo Accords it is permitted to stay at Joseph's Tomb from which the State of Israel fled following the escalation of terrorism, and demanded that the Israeli government return to Joseph's Tomb as part of "Operation Iron Wall."

Rabbi Uri Sharki said, "If ever the sons of Ishmael were entitled to live in this land by virtue of the covenant of circumcision, after they showed their true face they lost all rights. We must realize the right to return to this place, not only because of self-love but because it is our moral duty."

MK Tzvi Sukkot, one of the leaders of the struggle regarding the return to Joseph's Tomb, which has been expanding in recent days, summarized: "On the seventh of October 2000 CE, 23 years before the Simchat Torah massacre, the State of Israel fled from terrorism and abandoned Joseph's Tomb. Now, when it's clear to everyone that this was a mistake, it's possible to return to Joseph's Tomb, and we are on our way there."

Deputy Head of Samaria Council Davidi Ben Zion added: "On the eve of Purim at Joseph the Righteous's tomb, we pray for the release of the 59 hostages and for the success of IDF soldiers in defeating the enemy. By virtue of the Purim holiday, when 'it was turned upside down,' may we merit their return and true joy."