Freed Hostages, IDF Wounded to Join Passover Blessings

Stand for Israel  |  April 1, 2025

During the priestly blessing at the Western Wall for Passover this year, the freed hostages and wounded IDF soldiers will gather for a powerful blessing, reports JNS:

Two traditional Birkat HaKohanim (Priestly Blessing) ceremonies will be held at the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City during Passover this year, in the presence of hostages recently freed from Hamas captivity, families of those still held, and wounded Israel Defense Forces soldiers, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation announced Monday.

The ceremonies, scheduled for April 15 and April 17, are expected to draw tens of thousands. Due to overwhelming public interest, the blessing will be held on two separate days for the first time.

“These are powerful days of prayer and unity,” said Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, rabbi of the Western Wall and holy sites. “We welcome all who come to the Western Wall to lift their voices in blessing and hope.”