Tens of thousands of worshippers arrived Tuesday morning at the Western Wall plaza in Jerusalem for the traditional priestly blessing ceremony held during the intermediate days of Passover.

This year’s event, organized by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, holds special significance with the participation of hostages released from Hamas captivity, families of those still held captive, and wounded Israel Defense Forces soldiers. Among those attending was former hostage Eliya Cohen, who was freed from Hamas captivity on Feb. 22 after 505 days.

Former hostage Eliya Cohen responding to well-wishers as he returned to his home in Tzur Hadassah, on March 4, 2025. Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90

Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel David Yosef, Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Kalman Ber, Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites
Shmuel Rabinowitz, and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion attended the ceremony.

The event began at 8:45 a.m. with morning prayers, followed by the first priestly blessing at 9:30. The additional prayer service started at 10:15, with the main priestly blessing taking place at 10:30.

Following the conclusion of the ceremony at 10:40 a.m., participants held a special prayer for the return of all hostages still held in Gaza, for the safety of IDF soldiers and security forces, for the healing of the wounded, and for peace and security across Israel.

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