Thousands of people flocked to the Western Wall Thursday morning for the traditional Priestly Blessing of the Passover holiday.
The event was attended by Israel's chief rabbis, the rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites, and masses of worshippers who recited prayers for the return of Israelis held captive by the Hamas terror organization in the Gaza Strip, the safety of IDF soldiers and security forces, healing for the wounded, and peace for the nation.
Video: Worshippers pray for hostages during Passover Priestly Blessings / Credit: Reuters
With Passover coinciding with ongoing hostilities in Gaza, Jerusalem police deployed a large contingent of some 3,000 officers and border police throughout the city. Key routes into the Old City, including major thoroughfares, have been closed to vehicular traffic to secure the area.
The traditional ceremony is held twice a year on the intermediate days of the Passover and Sukkot festivals.
