Facts About Western Wall Access During Passover

Before certain media and social media sources can publish disinformation about Jerusalem closures this week, BJN is publishing the official release from the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, the Israel Police, and the Jerusalem Municipality.

Monday | 12 Nisan 5786 | March 30, 2026

Joint statement by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, the Israel Police, and the Jerusalem Municipality

Passover at the Western Wall in a Limited Format

During Passover, access will not be permitted to the general public • The traditional Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing) ceremony will take place with a limited quorum and be broadcast live to all.

In the shadow of the “Lion’s Roar” war, and in light of the security situation and Home Front Command guidelines, as well as recent security incidents in Jerusalem including missile fragments that have fallen in recent days in the Old City area and the Jewish Quarter, special preparations have been completed for Passover at the Western Wall.

As part of these preparations, and in accordance with Home Front Command instructions and restrictions on gatherings, Passover this year will be held in an unusual format, different from previous years. This decision reflects responsibility for safeguarding human life and concern for the safety and security of worshippers and visitors.

This decision is made despite the fact that, in ordinary years, hundreds of thousands of visitors and worshippers flock to Jerusalem and the Western Wall during the holiday, in remembrance of the pilgrimage and out of deep longing for the holy site. However, this year, given the security circumstances, the public is required to act responsibly and follow the instructions of the security authorities.

Passover Arrangements at the Western Wall:

• Throughout all days of Passover, access to the Western Wall will not be permitted to the general public.
• Jaffa Gate and Dung Gate will be closed to both vehicles and pedestrians.
• No public transportation routes will operate to the Western Wall.

Birkat Kohanim

The traditional Birkat Kohanim ceremony, usually attended by tens of thousands of worshippers each year, will be held this year in a limited format only, with 50 kohanim who will lovingly bless the Jewish nation.

The ceremony will take place on Sunday | 18 Nisan 5786 | April 5, 2026

• Shacharit prayer – 8:30 AM
• Birkat Kohanim (Shacharit) – 9:00 AM
• Musaf prayer – 10:00 AM
• Birkat Kohanim (Musaf) – 10:15 AM
• Prayer for the welfare of IDF soldiers, security forces, and the Jewish nation – 10:30 AM

In order to connect the entire Jewish people to this traditional ceremony, the event will be broadcast live on the Western Wall Heritage Foundation website, news sites, and radio channels.

Attached is the link for the live broadcast and satellite details for transmission:

“You shall greatly safeguard your lives.”  The public is asked to prepare accordingly, act with personal responsibility, refrain from coming to the Western Wall, and follow the instructions of the Israel Police, security forces, and Home Front Command, out of mutual responsibility and concern for the well-being of all.

We pray that we will merit, even this year, to make the pilgrimage in joy and safety, in peace and tranquility.