Travel on Rosh Hashanah

Hundreds of extra police were called to cover key traffic areas while some 38, 000 vehicles jam Israel’s motorways north with even more expected into the evening.

By Ynet

Israel’s roads and highways withstood heavy traffic Wednesday afternoon, as families travelled great distances to meet their relatives for celebrations to welcome the Jewish year 5775.

According to authorities, some 130, 000 travelers took to the open road from central Israel to the north in 38, 000 vehicles, headed for Rosh Hashanah celebrations of honey and apples.

Police said that on most holidays, some 50, 000 vehicles head for the north between 7pm to midnight. Police therefore asked drivers to leave home as early as possible to decrease traffic and increase safety on the road.

Authorities also suggested that those traveling to their families by vehicle use a GPS program while driving that takes areas of traffic into account and leads drivers down the quickest route.

Hundreds of extra police and volunteers were called for duty in the hours leading up to Rosh Hashanah Wednesday, and were dispersed in key junctions and traffic areas throughout the country.