Tens of thousands of people converged by the Kosel on Sunday morning for birchas kohanim. While most came closer to mussaf, many made the trek to the Kosel in the wee hours of the morning for vasikin, including HaRav Yosef Sholom Eliyashiv, Shlita. The event was co-ordinated with police, border guards, MADA and United Hatzalah volunteers to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for the crowds. Besides for one isolated incident, B”H nothing bad happened. The main event was attended by the Chief Rabbis of Israel Rabbis Yonah Metzger and Shlomo Amar as well as politicians Nir Barkat and Eli Yishai.

Credits: Yehuda Boltshauser / Kuvien Images (Technical Assistance: Scott Kalmikoff & Bradley Goldstoff)

Click HERE for the photos.

The following is a video compilation of vasikin and birchas kohanim by the Kosel including a time-lapse of sunrise during Chol HaMoed Sukkos 5771 (Yehuda Boltshauser / Kuvien Images)