The Israel Police are currently trying to make every effort not to allow the leader of the "Shuvu Banim" movement to hold a lighting ceremony at the Rashbi memorial in Meron on Lag BaOmer - and to prevent his arrival. This is what the Haredim 10 learned.
The police's intention to prevent Rabbi Eliezer Berland's arrival was intended to prevent violence and vandalism that could occur as a result of his arrival during Lag BaOmer events, as well as due to concerns that clashes would develop at the site with Haredi activists who intend to demonstrate against the planned lighting - if it takes place.
According to evidence presented to the police, in the past, when Rabbi Berland arrived in Meron on Lag BaOmer, disorder was created there.
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At the same time, the Israeli Center for Victims of Cults today (Wednesday) appealed to Rabbi Meir Stern, the rabbi of the settlement of Meron, to the Minister of Religious Affairs David Azoulay, and to the Director General of the Holy Places Yossi Schweinger - with a request not to allow Rabbi Berland to hold a lighting ceremony at the Rashbi's memorial on Lag BaOmer.
Under the headline in question: "Rabbi" Berland's appearance on Lag BaOmer in Meron" - CEO Rachel Lichtenstein wrote to the rabbi of the settlement: "Please make every effort so that on this important day, when hundreds of thousands of Jews ascend to the grave of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, there is no show-off event and gathering of believers by a cult leader and convicted felon within the confines of the Meron settlement.".
According to her, "such an event could cause new people to be exposed to the cult and they could later become the next victims.".
In a personal address to the rabbi, she writes: "Berland is trying to hold meetings with rabbis in every city and is making sure that his followers film these meetings in order to publish the photos and try to regain his status as a righteous rabbi. The more such meetings are held and the public relations activities of Berland's people publish the matters in the general media, the more this will lead to blasphemy and disrespect for Judaism and the Torah.".
Opponents of the "Shuvu Banim" leader submitted a request to the police to hold a procession on Lag BaOmer in the early morning, so that "the convicted criminal's public relations ceremony," as they put it, "will become a ceremony of denunciation and protest.".
In the request, they state that they intend to march with signs, turn on loudspeakers "that will be heard throughout the lighting area," and distribute flyers of the "Court's letter against Berland.".
The police told Haredim 10 in response: "The police are not responding.".
The Ministry of Religious Affairs confirmed that a letter was received.
The director general of the Holy Places, Yossi Schwinger, says in response to the Haredim 10: "I do not address the issue!""
We were unable to receive the response from 'Shuvu Banim'. When it is received, it will be published.
