Mass Hallel at the Kosel for Dubai Flight Miracle

Tens of thousands gathered at the Kosel on Thursday morning for the second Birchas Kohanim of Sukkos, with the massive gathering taking on special significance as the crowd gave thanks to Hashem for the extraordinary rescue of the passengers aboard the Dubai–Eretz Yisroel flight a day earlier.

During Shacharis and Mussaf, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, rov of the Kosel and holy sites, joined the tens of thousands in reciting chapters of Hallel and tefillos of thanksgiving for the remarkable miracles that unfolded aboard the flight.

Rabbi Rabinowitz called on the public to increase in gratitude and thanksgiving to Hashem, while continuing to daven for the safety of soldiers and security forces and for the peace and unity of the Jewish people.

The gathering came amid an exceptionally busy Sukkos at the Kosel. According to the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, nearly one million mispallelim and visitors have come to the Kosel since the beginning of Yom Tov, with the two traditional Birchas Kohanim gatherings drawing tens of thousands.

Rabbi Raphael Tennenhaus, shliach at Chabad of South Broward, who was at the Kosel Thursday morning and shared photos and videos from the gathering, described an extraordinary atmosphere of gratitude following what many are calling a “miracle of miracles.”

The celebrations will continue on Motzei Simchas Torah with the traditional Hakafos Shniyos at the Kosel. In light of Wednesday’s miracle, the gathering will include special chapters of Hallel and thanksgiving.

Photos: Western Wall Heritage Foundation / Rabbi Raphael Tennenhaus

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