Thousands of people are expected to gather at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem at 7 pm this Thursday evening to mark the start of the Hebrew month of Av.
The “Sivuv Shearim” procession is intended to strengthen the Jewish connection to the site of the Holy Temple, the holiest site in the Jewish faith.
The procession, which makes its way around the gates of ancient Jerusalem, has taken place upon the eve of every month on the Jewish calendar over the past 14 years.
Men and women dance and sing their way around the gates in separate processions that fill the ancient alleyways of the various quarters of the city, until they complete the entire circuit.
Israeli Border Guard Police and other personnel secure the procession for the duration of the event.