Yerushalayim Opens Up On Pesach (Photo Essay)

By BJLIfe/Sharon Altshul
Posted on 03/30/21

Jerusalem, Israel - Mar. 30, 2021 - Crowds filled Mamilla Mall in Yerushalayim and the streets and alleyways of the Old City on the first days of chol hamoed Pesach. Tens or hundreds of thousands of people of all ages arrived at the Western Wall Plaza during the day and late into the night. Families with children, many pushing strollers, were coming and going all afternoon. 

The Birkas Kohanim crowd at the Kotel grew larger on the second morning for the service which was also broadcast online. Trying to keep to Israeli Ministry of Health regulations, most of the adults were wearing masks. The area near the Kotel was divided into sections to provide for the vast crowds.

Music and balloons, flags were flying in multiple locations under the blue sky, and a pleasant spring day adding to the festive Yom Tov mood.  Popcorn vendors were along the way, the smell wafting into the air to entice those who eat kitniyos. 

Restaurants in Mamilla Mall were allowed to have inside dining after a year of closings. Thousands more were eating their Pesach food and savoring their ice cream snacks sitting on the Jerusalem stone and in the park areas. 

Israelis came out in the hundreds of thousands to return to Yerushalayim on Pesach after a year of coronavirus closings and limitations.

Moadiim l'simcha!