The IDF spokesman officially announced this evening (Friday night) that it has been decided to cancel the Rashbi celebration events on Mount Meron this year.
The announcement said: "In accordance with the assessment of the situation in the IDF and in coordination with the relevant bodies, it was decided to cancel the Rashbi celebration events on Mount Meron, between May 24-27, 2024. This is in accordance with the powers stipulated in the Civil Defense Law. There are no further changes to the instructions for the home front.".
Major General Rafi Milo, Commander of the Home Front Command, wrote in an opinion he published: "As part of the recent situation assessments, I was brought to your attention about the planning for the event in question, which is expected to be held between May 24 and 27, 2024, as part of the traditional Lag BaOmer celebration at the Rashbi's tomb on Mount Meron.".
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""According to the available information, in recent years over 200,000 people participated throughout the festivities, and at certain times approximately 50,000 people were present in the complex at the same time. After examining the various information and considerations relating to the event, and in accordance with recent assessments of the situation, I found that holding the event at this time could cause real harm to human life.".
""Despite the importance of the event and the long-standing tradition of its existence, and in accordance with the latest assessments of the situation, the event cannot be held in the format in which it was held in the past, and such a gathering cannot be allowed at the venue.".
He emphasized: "The Home Front Command will order, close to the event, to limit gatherings in the Mount Meron area and to close the areas where the events will take place to allow the Israel Police to prevent entry to them, in accordance with the arrangement to be formulated between the Ministry of Jerusalem and Israel Tradition and the Israel Police. Until the date of the planned event, additional situation assessments will be held to examine whether there will be any changes in the operational situation assessments. If there are any changes in the situation assessment by the date of the event, the Home Front Command will update the instructions accordingly.".
He said, "There is a significant threat from Hezbollah and Hamas in Lebanon, through anti-tank and anti-aircraft fire, as well as by launching aerial vehicles into this area. As evidence of this, in the past two months, several serious attacks have been carried out into this area, in which dozens of rockets and a single number of anti-tank missiles were fired, which caused various injuries in the area and a real risk to human life.".
He added: "The mountain area is characterized by significant protection gaps, which endangers the safety and security of those present in the mountain areas during enemy attacks. There is no sufficient protection in place that would allow all participants in the celebration to enter standard protection within the warning times provided in this area.".
""In addition, there is no capacity to deploy protection in a way that will respond to the large number of participants and in the timeframe until the celebration takes place. Also, due to the aforementioned protection gaps, there is a significant risk that when an alert is activated in the Mount Meron area, the many people present at the scene will be harmed as they flee to protected areas.".
The Major General added and emphasized: "I would like to note that I am aware of the importance of the event, and of the virtue of the 18th of Iyar - Yosef, the passing of the Tanna Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai on Lag BaOmer, as well as the desire to arrive at the place of celebration on this great day. However, the concern for the safety and security of tens of thousands of people and the responsibility to save the lives of worshippers outweigh any other consideration.".
However, according to the plan, published in Walla, three very limited events - of three different groups - of the traditional torch lighting will likely be held at the Zion Rashbi complex.
This is a similar outline to what was in place four years ago - during the coronavirus outbreak.
According to the decision, a small audience will be able to participate in the lightings, and participants will arrive in Meron in armored vehicles. It was also decided that renting out B&Bs in Moshav Meron will be prohibited.
A source in the Ministry of Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition tells Haredim 10: "Nothing is finalized yet. We are in discussions about this with the Home Front Command.".
Ten days ago, Police Commissioner Yaakov Shabtai, Northern Police Chief Shuki Tahauke, Meron Project Officer Yossi Deitch, and Deputy Director of the Ministry of Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition Haim Rosenstein toured Meron.
The Commissioner said at the time that the limited celebration outline was his preferred outline.
As reported yesterday, after the IDF recommended last week not to hold the Rashbi Be Zion celebration in Meron this year, in any format - the Rebbe of Bayan will hold the mass lighting on Shabbat night in Jerusalem, where the Hasidim's 'Shabbat Ta'achadhut' will take place.
However, in order to preserve his hold on Meron, the Rebbe will also hold a limited lighting ceremony at Zion in Meron, as he does every year, with a limited number of people allowed to enter the compound.
Hasidic communities are having a hard time coming to terms with the possibility that this year, the ascent to Mount Meron will not be possible - it will be declared a closed military area, probably for 10 days. However, they are beginning to organize for alternate lighting stations.
For example, the influential Rabbi Elimelech Biderman will hold a lighting ceremony in Beit Shemesh, with thousands of participants.
