Thousands Gather at Western Wall for Birkat Kohanim Thousands of Israelis and Jews from around the world gathered in the Western Wall (Kotel) plaza on Sunday morning, for the traditional Birkat Hacohanim (Priestly Blessing) ceremony held on Sukkot (the Feast of the Tabernacles). Morning services began at 8:45 a.m. Mussaf services - including the ceremony - will commence close to 10:15 a.m. This year, the ceremony is being held under tight security, following multiple incidents of Arab rioting on the nearby Temple Mount. The Jerusalem District Police has stepped up its patrols immensely in the area, out of fear of more disruptions. On Saturday, Arab terrorists threw rocks at the Jerusalem Light Rail and at Border Police in the nearby Mount of Olives area. Two soldiers were wounded in the attacks. Meanwhile, checkpoints have been manned at several points surrounding the Old City - including at Wadi Joz, Shimon HaTzadik, and every entrance into the Old City except for the pathway leading from the Jewish Quarter to the Wall. The Old City has been closed to private vehicles entirely, and the public has been asked to use the city shuttles or other means of public transport to travel to the site. Alternative options include the Light Rail (the Municipality/Iriya stop is ten minutes walking from the Kotel plaza) or the 38 Egged bus.
Posted on: Sun, 12 Oct 2014 08:26:59 +0000
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