Thousands upon thousands of yidden are making their way to Chevron on Thursday, the second day of chol hamoed.

Later in the day, a special ceremony will be held, in the presence of elected officials, officially declaring the Machpelah a “national heritage”.

Chevron community spokesman Noam Arnon reports buses are leaving from Yerushalayim and Bnei Brak, and many are taking advantage of the increased transportation to visit Ir HaAvos on chol hamoed, davening, reciting tehillim and just enjoying the ability to spend time in the holy city.

Arnon adds there is a very heavy presence of IDF and other security forces, including an area command post and an IDF surveillance balloon that continues to hover over the city, monitoring events in the Jewish and PA (Palestinian Authority) areas alike.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)