The central Lag BaOmer bonfire lighting led by Rav Meilech Biderman will not take place in Meron this year and has instead been relocated to Yerushalayim in a major change driven by the ongoing security situation.

After weeks of uncertainty and intensive security consultations, a final decision was made on Sunday to move the large-scale gathering, which annually draws tens of thousands. The event will now be held in the heart of Yerushalayim, at the intersection of Yirmiyahu and Shamgar, where authorities are preparing a massive open-air venue.

The shift comes in light of heightened tensions in northern Israel and strict restrictions imposed on the Meron area and surrounding regions, making it impractical to host the event there.

In previous years, the ceremony was held at “Compound 89” near Meron and became a central attraction for those unable to access the kever of Rav Shimon Bar Yochai itself. The move to Yerushalayim marks a significant departure from that setup and reflects broader changes to this year’s Lag BaOmer schedule amid the war.

Large gatherings associated with Rav Biderman have historically drawn overwhelming crowds. Organizers and officials recall past events in Beit Shemesh where police were forced to halt the music multiple times due to dangerous overcrowding and concerns for public safety as masses of participants flooded the area from across the country.

This year, event planners and community organizers are working to prepare the Yerushalayim site to safely accommodate the anticipated crowds.