Project Meron Chief of Staff (retired) Zviki Tesler held a press briefing this evening (Tuesday), during which he addressed the major preparations for Operation Meron.
Are you about to give birth? Receive: professional lectures, tips and pampering gifts
First, he addressed the issue of safety permits: "We are currently in the final permit phase, where according to procedure, permits are issued on the day of the event, namely Wednesday, with another inspection taking place on Thursday.
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
""This year we are holding the events with safety in mind, and are faithful to the interim conclusions, while on the one hand we are required to limit the audience according to the safety consultants' requirements, and on the other hand we are making every effort to allow the celebration to take place in the best possible way.".
Tesler also addressed the issue of Hasidic events in the various complexes throughout Moshav Meron: "From the first moment I took office, one of the things that was important to us was holding these events. We made great efforts to enable them to take place, but unfortunately the licensing process was such that the Hasidic communities did not pass the process for various reasons. There is no doubt that in the future we will have to think about this and see how we can do this.".
Tesler clarified that although a year has passed since the disaster, preparations only began three months ago. "The interim conclusions were received near the end of the calendar year and the preparations that were made in accordance with them were done in a total of three months, instead of a full year. I am satisfied with the pace of preparations and progress, even though we were not able to accomplish everything.".
Regarding the extremists threatening to disrupt the order, Tesler said: "We were in contact with everyone and I don't think there were things we didn't take into account. At the same time, we also have restrictions and regulations, and since there was regulation that wasn't there in previous years, unfortunately the state does not have the ability to accept all the demands, in terms of the law, equality demands, and so on. If we refrained from adopting the demands, it was either due to safety restrictions, or regulatory restrictions, under the rules of the State of Israel.".
Chief Superintendent (retired) Tesler noted that they are "aware of extremist elements, who may be considered a minority, but are undoubtedly vocal. We are required to do this, the Israel Police is preparing for this, and I observe the police's preparedness and I think it is good and appropriate. When people violate a law or regulation, enforcement will be required and the police will do so.".
In response to questions from journalists, the commissioner addressed the issue of the arrival of worshippers and transportation to the Mount. "Similar to previous years, the sale of tickets by the Ministry of Transportation has already ended. For the 24-hour celebration, all tickets were sold, and from Thursday to Friday, there is less demand, so we are planning the arrival of the public and transportation accordingly.".
""It is important to emphasize that the arrival of those coming to the festival is done according to the situation on the mountain, and there may certainly be delays, while on the other hand, there may be those who arrive early. We calculated the times and tried to do everything possible, however, there may be extreme points that we did not address, because if we had, many fewer participants would have arrived, and therefore we may certainly have to stop and delay the buses, but I hope we will not have to do that.".
""It's just important that the bus passengers know: If someone stopped the bus, we've probably reached a situation where people won't get off the mountain, so a little patience is required. I hope that such a situation doesn't happen, and if it does, it will pass quickly.".
Regarding police enforcement, he said: "The police use drones and a police helicopter in order to get an overall picture. If enforcement is required, the police will take action, but if we just need to direct, the ushers will do so, and our priority is undoubtedly that the contact be made through the ushers, who were recruited from the Haredi public.".
Regarding the publications according to which one of the revelry's safety consultants resigned in protest of the conduct - he clarified: "When I took office, it was very important for me to learn about safety, and to that end I learned from several people, one of whom is the engineer in question. This is not a revelry engineer as was published. He was not in any relationship with the production company, but served as a personal consultant for me and he also received his salary from me. Our relationship was based on hours, and he finished his work. Revelry has an engineer hired for this purpose, and I believe that everything will be conducted in the safest way.".
The issue of the security attached to him also came up during the briefing, and Tesler clarified: "It is certainly a disturbing thing, the need for close security, but I do not fear for my life. I have not received any threats, but under the circumstances of the situation it is probably required.".
