POLICE TO DEPLOY THOUSANDS OF OFFICERS IN JERUSALEM FOR PASSOVER HOLIDAY

On the last day of the holiday, again, police will increase security near the Western Wall. Then, on the Shabbat after yom tov, police will again be called on to secure the Holy Fire Ceremony.

More than 3,000 police officers will be deployed across the country, with a focus on Jerusalem, in preparation for and during the Passover holiday, which begins Friday at sundown.

Superintendent Micky Rosenfeld, Israel Police foreign press spokesman, told The Jerusalem Post that tens of thousands of people are expect to ascend on Jerusalem for the first day of the holiday, and another more than 100,000 on the second day for the High Priest prayer service, which will be held at the Western Wall.

This mass priestly blessing only takes place twice a year in Israel, once during Sukkot and again on Passover. Attendees receive the historic blessing from hundreds of Jews of priestly lineage as they face the congregation, hands stretched forward, chanting in one voice.

The superintendent said that the increase in security, which includes a mix of Border Police, undercover officers and members of special patrol units, are necessary due to a history of increased security risk during the holiday period.

MORE: https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Police-to-deploy-thousands-of-officers-in-Jerusalem-for-Passover-holiday-586907