The Minister of Religious Services, Matan Kahane, announced today (Monday) his decision to appoint Brigadier General (ret.), Major General (ret.) Zviki Tesler as the Meron projector ahead of the Rashbi celebration to be held this year.
The appointment is the implementation of the interim recommendations of the State Investigation Committee.
The role of the planner is to coordinate and manage the celebration in front of all relevant parties, subject to the Minister of Religious Services.
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
A week ago, the government decided that the Minister of Religious Services would assume overall responsibility for the Meron event, and would appoint a project manager on his behalf until the end of December 2021.
Tesler, a native of Kibbutz Yavne, served in the IDF as a squadron commander in the Air Force. In his last position in the IDF, he served as Chief of Staff of the Home Front Command with the rank of Brigadier General.
Between 2016 and 2019, Tesler served in the Israel Police as head of the Planning and Organization Department, with the rank of superintendent.
Minister Matan Kahane welcomed the appointment: "The Israeli government has entrusted me with the responsibility for the Lag BaOmer celebrations in Meron this year. The upcoming Meron event will be completely different from the events that have taken place there so far - the safety of those celebrating the celebration will be above all else this time. Managing the celebration in Meron requires a wealth of knowledge and experience in understanding complex events. Zviki Tesler has the skills and knowledge to manage such an event, which requires a broad perspective, planning and systemic thinking, alongside understanding and sensitivity towards those visiting the mountain during the celebration.".
Brigadier General (res.) Zviki Tesler: "The terrible disaster that occurred last year requires us to act with sacred reverence and immense responsibility. I will spare no effort to uphold the tradition of our ancestors while strictly observing safety rules and public safety.".
""I accept the role with a sense of great responsibility and look forward to high-quality cooperation with all parties.".
