Friedman among 10 at Kotel for birkat kohanim

The Kotel hosted the traditional Pesach priestly blessing service on Sunday, but unlike in previous years when the plaza's been jam-packed with worshippers, the service was kept to an absolute minimum due to the coronavirus outbreak.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman was among the worshippers allowed to attend the Jerusalem ceremony, which was streamed on social and mainstream media websites. The service was led by Shmuel Rabinowitz, rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites.

A second service, also including only 10 men, was held at the Cave of the Patriarchs in the heart of the Old City of Hebron.

“Today, I will be one of just 10 worshippers attending the ‘Priestly Blessing’ ceremony at the Western Wall. Last year, I was among 100,000; this year, unfortunately, far less. I will pray that the world is spared further illness or sorrow from COVID-19 or otherwise,” Friedman tweeted.