Thousands of Jews fill the plaza at the Western Wall as they sit down to read from the book of lamentations July 21 marking the destruction of the First and Second Temples on Tisha B'Av, the ninth day in the Hebrew month of Av. Tisha B'av is one of the most solemn days in the Jewish calendar as it marks the destruction of both ancient Temples and the Western Wall, an outer retaining wall that dates from the Second Temple, draws thousands of observant Jews who spend the night reciting prayers, laments and dirges as they mourn the Temples' destruction. (Photo is a time exposure).

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