The Weizmann Fast Astronomical Survey Telescope (W-FAST) is a new observatory that will consist of two 55cm f/1.9 Schmidt telescopes, built in the Wise observatory near Mitzpe Ramon. Each telescope will be equipped with a fast sCMOS camera to provide fast imaging of 7 square degrees at a frame rate of 25 Hz. W-FAST will explore the new parameter space of sub-second cadence and wide field of view. It will be able to detect occultations by Solar System objects and monitor variability on seconds time-scales in the galactic plane. The first telescope has seen first light in 2019. We present a status update on the observatory commissioning and discuss some of the advantages of such a system compared to other surveys.