According to numbers released by Israel Police, over 10.5 million people visited the Kosel during 2012. According to Police Commander Moshe Barkat, the number includes mispallalim throughout the year including yomim tovim as well as Jewish and non-Jewish visitors. For comparisons sake, back in 2009, there were 8 million visits to the Kosel.

Two years ago, a master renovation plan for the Kosel Plaza area was approved at a cost of 85 million NIS to be completed over five years.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)