Thousands of Jews flooded the alleyways of the Old City of Jerusalem today, Sunday, and headed towards the Western Wall, where the traditional priestly blessing took place in honor of the Sukkot holiday.
Israel Police and Border Police secured the crowds. Increased police security in Jerusalem is to continue for the duration of the holiday, which continues into the week.
After the priestly blessing, Israeli Chief Rabbis Yitzhak Yosef and David Lau, and Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz shook hands with the thousands of Jews, wishing them a happy holiday and sweet new year.
Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel (Jewish Home) told Arutz Sheva, “The Jewish People at its best, tens of thousands of people going up to the Western Wall, looking up to the place of the Holy Temple - “And let our eyes behold your return to Zion.”
Ariel expressed hope, “With G-d’s help, the Prime Minister will allow all Jews to ascend and be as a nation united in the place of our Temple.”