Israel News Network Group
Tens of thousands of Jews participated in the first Birchas Kohanim during Pesach Chol Hamoed morning prayers on Tuesday at the Kotel in Jerusalem, including families of hostages still held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, as well as those who have been freed.
The Western Wall Heritage Foundation said around 200,000 visitors have come to the Kotel Wall so far during Pesach. Tens of thousands offered prayers for the return of the hostages, the success of IDF soldiers, and the recovery of the wounded.
More than 50,000 people attended the Birchas Kohanim. “This ceremony was dedicated to prayers for the return of the hostages, the well-being of IDF soldiers, the recovery of the wounded, and for peace and security in Israel,” the Western Wall Foundation said in a statement.
Among those blessing the global Jewish Nation was Eliyah Cohen, one of the hostages who was recently freed from Hamas captivity.
The mass Birchas HaKohanim ceremony has taken place for 54 years since it was initiated by Rabbi Menachem Mendel Gafner z”l. For years, it has been organized by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation during the intermediate days of Pesach and Sukkos, with hundreds of Kohanim bestowing a blessing upon the public.
Tuesday’s ceremony was attended by Israel’s Chief Rabbis David Yosef (Sephardic) and Kalman Bar (Ashkenazic); chief rabbi of the Israel Police, Commander Rabbi Rami Rahamim Berachyahu; Israel police commissioner, Commissioner Kobi Shabtai; Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion; Panama’s ambassador to Israel Ezra Cohen; rabbis, public figures; the families of Segev Kalfon and Uriel Baruch – who are still held hostage by Hamas – along with hundreds of Kohanim, and thousands of worshipers.
The prayer service was led by the rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz.
A second such ceremony will be held on Thursday, 19 Nisan 5785 – April 17, 2025, following the same format, to allow those who could not attend today to receive the blessing.
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This is so heartwarming🥲