100,000 visit Western Wall for Priestly Blessing

The public priestly blessing takes place twice a year in Israel, during Passover and on Sukkot.

Birkat Kohainim, or priestly blessing, recited at the Western Wall on Passover, April 22, 2019 (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
Birkat Kohainim, or priestly blessing, recited at the Western Wall on Passover, April 22, 2019
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
More than 100,000 people attended the Priestly Blessing prayer service at the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Monday. 
This mass priestly blessing takes place twice a year, during Passover and Sukkot. Attendees receive the Biblical blessing from hundreds of kohanim – Jews of priestly lineage – as they face the congregation, hands stretched forward, chanting in one voice.
 
In light of the blessing and the additional tens of thousands of people that are in the holy city for the holiday, Superintendent Micky Rosenfeld – Israel Police foreign press spokesman – said heightened security measures will continue on Monday. 
Extra police units and border police are positioned in and around the area of the Old City, he said. 
In addition, Magen David Adom has deployed ambulances and paramedics throughout the Old City of Jerusalem to ensure medical care for any possible emergencies.