Tens of thousands of Israelis gather for the Selichot prayers (forgiveness) before Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement and the holiest of Jewish holidays, at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem, 23 September 2023. Yom Kippur is a 25-hour period of fasting, intense reflection and prayers where the central theme is the Day of Atonement that begins on 24 September before sunset. (Photo by Abir Sultan/EPA)
