[48791] Cancellation of the Rashbi Lag BaOmer celebration in Meron due to the security situation; fire safety guidelines for Lag BaOmer

[48791] Cancellation of the Rashbi Lag BaOmer celebration in Meron due to the security situation; fire safety guidelines for Lag BaOmer

Cancellation of the Rashbi celebration in Meron

Following the security situation and the Prime Minister's decision, the Israel Police announced that the Rashbi (Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai) celebration in Meron will not take place this year. According to Hadashot MeHashtach on Telegram, the decision was made in accordance with Home Front Command directives. At 301 World News - Arab World, it was emphasized that access roads to the mountain have been blocked to visitors since May 3rd.

Kol HaHadashot on 🆃🅴🅻🅴🅶🆁🅰️🅼🔴 reports that hundreds of police officers and Border Police fighters have been deployed to the area to prevent arrival on foot and by vehicle, using surveillance and off-road vehicles to prevent infiltration through the forests. The police warn that "any attempt to disturb the order will be met with a heavy hand" according to News Israel IL, noting that entry will be permitted to residents only upon presentation of an ID card.

The full road closures, which include major roads in the north such as Highway 89 and 866, will remain in effect until Wednesday, May 6th at 06:00, as detailed extensively in Kol Israel News - Security Reports.

Safety guidelines for Lag BaOmer

At the same time, HaHadashot HaChamot published an update on behalf of Israel Fire and Rescue Services. In light of the weather forecast for Monday (4/5) which includes strong winds, a ban on lighting fires in open areas has been imposed. The fire services call on the public to light bonfires only in places pre-approved by the authorities, to adhere to small bonfire dimensions, and to keep extinguishing equipment available. Firefighting forces will operate with reinforced strength throughout the country throughout the holiday.