Israel Quietly Marks New Year
Israel celebrated a quiet New Year on Monday despite fears of holiday attacks by Islamic militants. People flocked to synagogues, barbecued with families and vacationed at resorts.
Virtually all business and government offices were closed for Rosh Hashana, and public transportation halted.
The blowing of ram horns ushering in the year 5759 by the Jewish calendar could be heard at synagogues in neighborhoods nationwide. The smell of grilled meat wafted over backyards and picnic areas.
Hundreds of religious Jews gathered to pray in the Old City at the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest site.
Palestinians, meanwhile, complained about the closure of the Gaza Strip and West Bank that was imposed Sept. 12 to keep Palestinians out of Israeli territory. It is expected to continue at least until Wednesday.
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