With just over a week to go until the hilula of Rashbi in Meron on Lag BaOmer, former Yerushalayim and Heritage Minister Meir Porush detailed the current status of preparations and addressed the possibility of a limited-attendance framework due to security concerns.

Speaking Thursday night during a Kol Chai panel at a conference held at the Tzipori Hotel in Kfar, Porush said that work at Har Meron is proceeding at full speed, in accordance with clear directives from the police, despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding the security situation.

Addressing the budget and infrastructure developments, Porush said that while the Finance Ministry is generally not generous, the situation regarding Meron has been relatively favorable. “The Finance Ministry, when it comes to budgets, is usually not generous, but when it comes to Meron, it is fairly reasonable,” he said. He noted that although not all the promises made on the night the budget was approved were fulfilled, a substantial budget was ultimately allocated for infrastructure, and discussions were held with the coalition chairman regarding additional funding. He added that bus stops that had previously been narrow sidewalks have now been doubled in width, and the parking area designated for public officials has been paved and organized. At the same time, he remarked with a touch of irony that “there still won’t be escalators or a cable car.”

Regarding the possibility that a security escalation could impact the event, Porush pointed to the uncertainty in the political and security environment. He observed that even within Israel’s leadership there is confusion over the conduct of President Donald Trump, saying that he “doesn’t even tell them anything.” Despite that uncertainty, Porush revealed that about three weeks ago the police issued explicit instructions to continue preparations without interruption. “The police told us, you do not have permission to stop all the preparations. You will continue at full pace and do everything,” he said, explaining that from a practical standpoint, the site must be fully ready, since it cannot be left unprepared.

When asked whether his office would assume responsibility for managing the event under a limited format—similar to the framework implemented at the Kosel during Chol Hamoed—Porush rejected the idea. He defended the work of the Rav of the Kosel and the holy sites, Rav Shmuel Rabinowitz, noting that there are those who create obstacles and interfere with his work. He then clarified his own position regarding Meron under restrictions: “We are brought in when there is a complete plan. A limited framework does not need us. For what purpose?”

{Matzav.com}