PM okays curb-free pilgrimage to Mount Meron on Lag BaOmer

Some 200,000 people are expected to partake in the traditional event at the gravesite of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai after last year's festivities were heavily restricted due to the pandemic

Itamar Eichner, Kobi Nachshoni|
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday approved unlimited access to the annual Lag BaOmer festivities on Mount Meron.
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  • Some 200,000 people are expected to arrive and celebrate the holiday at the gravesite of 2nd-century tannaitic sage Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.
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    ל"ג בעומר הר מירון
    ל"ג בעומר הר מירון
    Lag BaOmer celebrations on Mount Meron
    (Photo: Eli Mandelbaum)
    The outline will, however, restrict gatherings in the lighting areas on the top of the mountain to 10,000 around each bonfire.
    It was also agreed that only snacks and drinks will be served around the gravesite while packed meals, as is customary at such Lag BaOmer events, will only be allowed around other areas of the mountain.
    Busses and shuttles will operate to and from the area.
    Coronavirus Czar Prof. Nachman Ash said that the traditional "visitation tents," where prominent rabbis welcome believers seeking blessings, will not be featured in this year's event as they tend to cause highly crowded mass gatherings.
    2 View gallery
    הר מירון
    הר מירון
    The gravesite of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai
    (Photo: Avihu Shapira)
    The outline comes after weeks of rigorous deliberations between health and government officials who sought to allow parishioners to participate in the traditional festivities safely after last year's event was held on a reduced footing due to COVID-19 restrictions at the height of the pandemic, with only 150 worshippers permitted onto the premises.
    Despite these measures, hundreds of ultra-Orthodox worshippers stormed the site and police made over 300 arrests that night.
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