Chol Hamoaid Pesach 5783/2023 Birkat Kohanim at the Kotel In the Shadow of Security Tensions (Video & Photo Essay)

By BJLIfe/Sharon Altshul
Posted on 04/09/23

Jerusalem, Israel - Apr. 9, 2023 - On this warm and beautiful Pesach day in Yerushalayim, tens of thousands of Jews participated Sunday morning in a glorious Birkat Kohanim full of prayer for the welfare of the Jewish nation, for the recovery of the wounded, and for the souls of those murdered in this wave of terrorism.

Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites: "Birkat Kohanim is a unique and special annual event. But I cannot recall a year when we approached this event with such real concern about potential violence, but at the same time, with the awareness of the tremendous importance of praying the ancient prayer for peace, especially at the Western Wall and especially now.

Birkat Kohanim, the Priestly Blessing, ends with the words "and grant you peace" - peace in and out of your home, a suitable blessing every day, and particularly timely nowadays. From the unifying site of the Western Wall, we call and pray for unity at home.

"Establish peace, well-being and blessing, favor, loving-kindness and compassion upon us and upon all of Yisrael, Your people. Bless us, O our Father, all of us together, with the light of Your countenance." For the unity of the Jewish nation, as one person with one heart.

During all the preparations for the holiday, the Israel Police invested tremendous efforts to ensure that the prayer services take place in the best way possible. Throughout this period, and especially today, the police were loyal emissaries of the Jewish nation.

The Old City was closed to outside vehicles. Pedestrian traffic follow was strictly enforced, enabling the thousands of people to come and go all day without the gridlock, and dangerous congestion in the past. 

Security did not appear visibly heavy but was present as usual. Jews were allowed on Har Habayit until 11:00 am. One group proceeded up the ramp during the Birkat Kohanim of Musaf.