Every year, the Priestly Blessing at the Western Wall turns Jerusalem into a magnet for faith, family traditions and communal gathering. The sight of thousands filling the plaza has long symbolized continuity across generations, but in recent years the event has grown into one of the most visible public expressions of religious participation in Israel. With Sukkot 2025 expected to draw record numbers, the city is preparing for major logistical adjustments to keep movement and security under control.
Mass turnout and religious tradition
The Priestly Blessing has evolved into a national ritual that attracts communities from across Israel as well as visitors from abroad. What once was considered a symbolic gathering has, over time, become a large-scale event bringing together ultra-Orthodox families, traditional Jews, tourists, and participants who see the Western Wall as both a spiritual and national landmark. Local synagogues in nearby neighborhoods often fill from early morning, and small businesses around the Old City prepare for a surge in foot traffic reminiscent of pilgrimage seasons.
Road closures in the Old City
As part of the municipal and police preparations, motor vehicle access to the Old City will be restricted. Key routes such as Ma’ale HaShalom, Sultan Suleiman, Jaffa Gate, Yitzhak Kariv Street, HaTsanhanim Street and Hativat Yerushalayim Street will be closed to private cars. Police officers will also be stationed along Route 1, redirecting vehicles whenever congestion increases. The measures reflect both the expected crowd volumes and the security considerations that accompany such a gathering.
Park-and-ride and public transport
To balance the influx of visitors with limited road capacity, authorities will direct the public to designated park-and-ride facilities. Lots at Mount Herzl, Har HaTsofim, the National Quarter, Teddy, Bayit and the Ramla–Lod market area will function as access points linked to shuttle services and regular bus and light rail lines. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid entering the Old City area by private car and instead rely on trains and public transit operating at higher frequency throughout the holiday.
(World’s Largest Festive Structure Opens in Jerusalem)
Policing and security operations
The Blessing’s religious dimension does not reduce the operational challenges on the ground. Police units, Border Police officers and volunteers will be deployed across central areas to maintain public order, secure synagogues and prevent unauthorized entry into sensitive zones. Activity also includes enforcement against illegal residents and efforts to identify irregular behavior around worship sites. The mix of devotion and dense pedestrian flow requires a system that balances crowd movement with visible security presence.
Public updates and emergency contact
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious incidents through the 100 police hotline and to use the 110 information center for traffic updates or guidance. Authorities emphasize that successful crowd management depends on coordination with residents and visitors, not only on patrol deployment. Guidance will be issued throughout the holiday period as traffic conditions evolve and crowd sizes change.
