The chairman of Religious Zionism, MK Bezalel Smotrich, today (Wednesday) attacked the decision of the Commissioner of Fire and Rescue for Israel, Rabbi Tafsar Dedi Simchi - to ban the lighting of bonfires on Lag BaOmer.
Free: How much money are you losing because you don't know what your rights are?
Traveling by bus to Hilula in Meron? All the details you need to know
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
What do you say about white chocolate with cookie crumbs? And what about a tasty snack?
The Fire Commissioner issued an order prohibiting the lighting of bonfires except in approved areas. In an interview with Razi Barkai on Galei Tzahal, he said: "Every year hundreds of children are burned during the holiday. It is possible to celebrate Lag BaOmer without burning down half the country.".
Motritz did not like the order - and attacked: "This is a delusional and outrageous decision. For centuries, Jews have been lighting bonfires on Lag BaOmer (which always falls in the summer...). For 73 years in the Jewish state, this Israeli custom has been observed and nothing has happened. And suddenly the Commissioner of the Civil Service Commission comes and, with his personal decision and signing of an unfounded order, claims to abolish an ancient religious custom.".
He added: "On a conceptual-democratic level, this is simply impudence. From a practical point of view, a zero-risk policy is a policy of a small-minded and petty mind, and the fact that an official is authorized to decide on it alone and impose his own opinion - on the entire Jewish people, the abolition of an ancient custom is unacceptable and we will change it.".
""In a democracy, no senior official can be authorized to make a decision with such broad ethical implications.".
The Fire Commissioner's order is valid from yesterday - Tuesday, until next Sunday at 8:00 PM.
The order applies to all regions of the country – with the exception of two exceptions: lighting bonfires will be permitted in designated areas allocated for this purpose by local authorities, provided that bonfires in these places comply with fire and rescue regulations; lighting bonfires is also permitted in the area south of the geographical line of Highway 25 (Nahal Oz Highway - Arava District).
However, there is no prohibition against lighting a fire in a designated food preparation facility (barbecue) in approved locations.
According to fire and rescue data, tens of thousands of fires break out in open areas every year, causing ecological and economic damage estimated at billions of shekels.
In places where the lighting of bonfires is permitted, lighting will be subject to these rules:
* The campfire will be in a hole in the ground, and in any case not in a forest or woodland area, even if a designated area has been allocated for it.
* The distance between the campfire and the forest will exceed 300 meters.
* A bonfire may not be lit in any forest or woodland area, even if a designated area has been allocated for this purpose.
* The distance between a campfire and gas and fuel facilities will exceed 40 meters.
* The distance between a campfire and power and telephone lines will exceed 20 meters.
* The distance between a campfire and a building will exceed 50 meters.
* The distance between one campfire and another campfire will exceed 5 meters.
* The size of the campfire base must not exceed 3 meters.
* The height of the pile of combustible materials used for the fire shall not exceed 1.5 meters above ground level.
* Regarding the Meron site, special conditions will be determined by the Northern District Commander.
