Maximum preparedness ahead of the holy Hilula of, our master Rabbi Baba Sali, may his soul rest in peace: In recent days, a special meeting was held to approve final plans with the participation of the top echelon of the Ministry of Religious Services and the Southern District Command of the Israel Police. District Commander Haim Boblil and Negev Region Commander Superintendent Amir Klein. During the meeting, all logistical and safety aspects were presented ahead of the arrival of tens of thousands of worshippers in Netivot on Wednesday and Thursday next, 3-4 Shevat (January 21-22, 2026).
The meeting was opened by the **Director-General of the Ministry of Religious Services, Yehuda Avidan**, who emphasized the spiritual importance of the event and praised the joint staff work. “The Hilula of Rabbi Baba Sali, may his soul rest in peace, is a focal point for all of Israel, and we are doing everything to preserve the sanctity and dignity of the occasion,” said Avidan.
Avidan wished to personally thank the Commander of the Southern District, Superintendent Haim Boblil, and the Netivot Station Commander for their dedication and professional guidance: “I thank the police for their dedicated cooperation and the entire work team. The meticulous coordination between the Ministry and the security forces ensures that every safety aspect will be handled at the highest level, for the public’s well-being.”
**The District Commander, Superintendent Haim Boblil**, clarified that the police are prepared with reinforced forces: “The Israel Police and the officers of the Southern District have invested a great deal of effort so that all participants in the Hilula can arrive safely and return safely. There is extensive experience and lessons learned from previous years. We ask all participants to listen to the instructions of the officers in the field; these instructions save lives. This is extremely thorough staff work in light of the war.”
**The Hilula Project Manager, Yaakov Cohen**, presented the changes in the field and noted that the main effort was directed towards preventing dangerous overcrowding: “The preparations are being made with deep responsibility. We received a clear directive – to act in every way to prevent crowding that could endanger lives. This year, a significant change will be felt in the regulated areas, which will allow the public to devote themselves to prayer in a calm and safe atmosphere. I want to thank the District Commander, Superintendent Haim Boblil, and Superintendent Amir Klein for the high-quality and professional cooperation, thanks to which the masses of Israel will be able to reach the tomb safely.”
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During the days of the Hilula, a special prayer will be held for the **return of the Yasam officer Rani Guili, who fought heroically on October 7th, saved many lives, and is still held captive in the Gaza Strip.**
The Ministry of Religious Services and the Police reiterate their call to the public expected to attend the Hilula to obey instructions, to prefer public transportation, and in any case, private vehicle entry to the Hilula complex area will not be permitted. Drive with patience, so that the merit of the righteous will stand for all for salvation and blessing.
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