Western Wall reopens to worshipers

Workers disinfect the Western Wall, the most holy site where Jews can pray, on March 31, 2020 against the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 in Jerusalem. Image by EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty Images

By Marcy Oster May 5, 2020

JERUSALEM (JTA) — The Western Wall Plaza reopened to worshipers on Tuesday morning.

The reopening comes after the Israeli government relaxed some of its coronavirus restrictions, including canceling the restriction on joining outdoor prayer services only within 500 meters from a person’s home.

For the last few weeks, only 10 and then 19 worshipers could be at the Western Wall at any time, and only those who live in the Old City.

The plaza in front of the Western Wall will be divided into as many prayer areas as possible in accordance with government social distancing regulations, The Western Wall Heritage Foundation, which operates the holy site, said in a statement.

For the next few days, up to 300 worshipers will be allowed to be in the Western Wall plaza at one time, contingent on them wearing masks. Once the prayer areas are full, worshipers will be required to wait outside the entrances to the Western Wall, with the required distances between them, until space becomes available, according to the statement. Reports also said that worshipers will have their temperatures taken and personal details recorded before they can enter the plaza.

The Western Wall tunnels will remain closed for the time being.

The post Western Wall reopens to worshipers after coronavirus restrictions relaxed appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

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