Lag BaOmer in Meron to Go Ahead as Knesset Approves Regulations

Construction work ahead of Lag BaOmer, at the kever of Rabi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron, Monday. (David Cohen/Flash90)

The Knesset’s Public Security Committee on Tuesday approved safety regulations for Lag BaOmer celebrations at Meron.

The move comes a year after the tragedy in which 45 people lost their lives in Meron on Lag BaOmer.

As per the new regulations, no more than 16,000 people at a time will be allowed in and around the complex of the tziyun on Lag BaOmer. The regulations were drafted by the Justice Ministry, the Religious Affairs Ministry and the police.

Instead of there being open access to the site, as in previous years, entry will now be conditioned on pre-purchasing a ticket. There are three transportation and admission options: by public transportation, which includes a permit to enter the site; via private buses of up to 50 passengers, with transport from the parking lot to Meron by shuttle that requires a ticket; or by private car, also requiring a ticket for a shuttle ride from the parking lot.

No private vehicles will be allowed into Meron.

Residents of Meron also require entry tickets to the tziyun, and can obtain them through their municipal authorities.

Each person’s stay will be limited to four hours, to make room for the many who wish to enter.

There will be only one hadlakah, which will be lit on Lag BaOmer night, as per tradition, by the Boyaner Rebbe, shlita.

At the kever of Rashbi, mispallelim will not be able to stay for long, but will be moved along, conveyor-belt style. An adjacent area will be available for those who wish to daven for longer.

The need for the new regulations arose following the opinion of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who clarified that no criminal proceedings can be pursued against violators without regulations or legislation.

A state commission of inquiry into the incident is ongoing.

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