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The ceremonies will take place Monday evening and be broadcast live, while the general public will not be allowed to access the site by any means.
By United with Israel Staff
Israel Police announced Sunday morning that this year’s Lag BaOmer celebration at Mount Meron would not take place due to security concerns and Home Front Command guidelines, following a directive from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
However, within hours, officials introduced a revised framework allowing the event to proceed in a highly limited format in order to preserve the tradition.
Under the plan, three ceremonial bonfire lightings will be held, with attendance capped at 200 people per event, coordinated by the participating communities. The ceremonies will take place Monday evening and be broadcast live, while the general public will not be allowed to access the site by any means.
Police said strict movement restrictions will be enforced around the Meron area through May 6. Entry will be permitted only to residents of the village and registered guests staying in approved accommodations. Access will require presentation of identification for all passengers in a vehicle.
Lag BaOmer is widely believed to mark the day of the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a second-century sage. Each year, hundreds of thousands typically gather at his tomb in Meron for celebrations that include bonfires, singing and dancing.
The decision to impose tight restrictions comes amid ongoing security tensions in northern Israel, where Hezbollah has continued hostile activity along the border, including constant rocket and drone attacks targeting Israeli forces and northern communities. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for sudden escalation.
The scaled-down event reflects efforts to balance a deeply rooted tradition with the realities of an active and uncertain security environment.
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