Tens of thousands gathered at the Kosel on Thursday for the second Birchas Kohanim of Sukkos, joining in special prayers of thanksgiving following the dramatic rescue of passengers aboard a flight from Dubai to Israel. Nearly one million people have visited the Kosel since the start of the holiday.

Tens of thousands of worshippers gathered at the Kosel on Thursday morning for the second Birchas Kohanim ceremony of Sukkos, held during the Shacharis and Musaf prayers.

During the gathering, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, Rabbi of the Kosel and Holy Sites, led the massive crowd in chapters of Hallel and special prayers of thanksgiving following the dramatic events aboard a flight from Dubai to Israel a day earlier.

Rabbi Rabinowitz called on the public to increase in prayers of gratitude for the miracles and acts of chesed, while continuing to daven for the safety and well-being of IDF soldiers and security forces and for peace and unity among the Jewish people.

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation reported that nearly one million worshippers and visitors have come to the Kosel since the beginning of Sukkos, including rabbanim, public figures, tourists and Israelis from across the country.

The holiday crowds reached a peak during the two traditional Birchas Kohanim ceremonies, which drew tens of thousands to the Kosel Plaza. Former hostages and bereaved families were among those who participated.

The Western Wall Heritage Foundation also announced that the traditional Hakafos Shniyos celebration will take place at the Kosel on Motzoei Simchas Torah, Saturday night, October 3, beginning at 10:00 p.m.

The celebration will feature singer Eli Cohen, the Yoni Eliav Orchestra and the Neranena Choir.

In light of the dramatic events aboard the Dubai flight, this year’s Hakafos Shniyos will include chapters of Hallel and prayers of thanksgiving.

Photo Credit: The Western Wall Heritage Foundation