The National Security Committee, headed by MK Zvika Fogel, unanimously approved today (Wednesday) the bill to regulate the celebration of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai on Mount Meron for second and third reading.
The law will allow the celebration to take place even in a special situation in the home front and will establish strict safety mechanisms.
MK Zvika Fogel: "The last two days have been filled with incessant shooting in the Safed area and the north. The bill takes into account the possibility of continued security tensions. It is possible that during the Lag BaOmer festivities we will continue to be in a time of security tensions, and we have made the necessary adjustments.".
""This law is intended to create order, set clear boundaries, and ensure that the Meron celebration will take place safely. I worked on the committee to ensure that those who come to rejoice and pray will return home safely and happily. Our responsibility is first and foremost to protect human life.".
The law includes a number of significant innovations compared to previous years: Section 8 stipulates that in a special situation on the home front, the head of the Home Front Command may issue instructions regarding the closure of areas in the Meron complex and limiting the number of people present. In extreme cases, he may even determine that the event will not take place.
The law states that the Minister may issue special entry and residence permits in a number to be determined, while adhering to the principles of equal representation for audiences that have a unique, long-standing connection to the celebration of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. In addition, representation will be guaranteed for women and a representative from each family that perished in the Meron celebration disaster in 5771.
On the issue of accessibility, it was decided to leave the requirement for an opinion from a building accessibility licensee only, and not to add a requirement for service accessibility. The law also sets restrictions on who can play a central role in the event.
Minister of Communications, Shlomo Kari, responsible for the Rashbi celebration in Meron for 2016: "I congratulate the committee chairman, my colleagues MK Zvika Fogel and MK Rabbi Meir Porush, on approving the Rashbi celebration bill, and thank the Director General of the Ministry of Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition Shimi Elbaum and all the professionals involved in the holy work. The law will help us, with God's help, to hold the celebration safely and joyfully for the people of Israel.".
Former Minister of Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition, MK Meir Porush, who was responsible for the celebration in recent years: "I congratulate Minister Shlomo Kerei, the chairman of the committee, MK Zvika Fogel, and the rest of those involved in the work, led by the Director General of the Ministry of Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition and the ministry team that formulated the law - on the approval of the bill to regulate the Rashbi celebration events in Meron 2016 by the National Security Committee.
""This is an important and central stage in the process of preparing for the celebration. I pray that with God's help, the security situation will allow the celebration to be held in joy and safety, in accordance with the successful outline that has been followed in the Siyaeta D'Shmiya in recent years. May the grace of the divine Tanna, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, protect us and all of Israel.".
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