Tel Aviv, April 15 -- Tens of thousands of Israelis thronged the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Tuesday for the traditional Priestly Blessing, a highlight event during Passover's intermediate days.

The ceremony, held under heightened emotion of war, drew worshippers from across the country and was streamed live online.

The blessings were given by descendants of Aaron the Priest, known as "kohanim." Among the kohanim participating was former hostage Elya Cohen.

The 27-year-old Cohen was abducted from the Nova Music Festival and eventually freed in February as part of a temporary ceasefire. Also present were the families of hostages Segev Kalfon and Uriel Baruch.

Israel's Chief Rabbis Kalman Bar and David Yosef led prayers.

While the eve...