Thousands have flocked to the holy city of Hevron for the annual Chol Hamoed (intermediate days) Passover celebrations Monday.
The event features performances by leading Israeli artists, as pilgrims to the City of the Forefathers take the opportunity to pray at the Cave of the Patriarchs (Mearat Hamachpela) - one of the holiest sites in Judaism and the burial place of the Jewish Biblical patriarchs and matriarchs.
Speakers will include Agriculture Minister MK Uri Ariel (Jewish Home); Justice Minister MK Ayelet Shaked (Jewish Home); Deputy Defense Minister MK Rabbi Eli Ben-Dahan (Jewish Home); MK Oren Hazan (Likud); MK Shuli Muallem-Refaeli (Jewish Home); MK Nurit Koren (Likud); MK Mickey Zohair (Likud); MK Nava Boker (Likud); MK Bezalel Smotrich (Jewish Home); MK Avraham Nagosa (Likud); Chief Rabbi David Lau; MK Nissan Slomianski (Jewish Home); Rabbi Haim Druckman; and Deputy Minister Ayoub Kara (Likud).
Earlier Monday, worshipers gathered at the Kotel (Western Wall) in Jerusalem for the annual Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing) ceremony.