Growing uncertainty surrounds the upcoming Lag BaOmer events in Meron, as authorities signal that the traditional celebration will not proceed as usual due to the security situation, while tensions on the ground continue to escalate.

Rabbi Yaakov Chaim Miller, one of the organizers of Lag BaOmer events currently in Meron, delivered a sharp critique in an interview, warning that attempts to tightly control attendance could backfire. “Those who want to come with a sense of ‘mesirus nefesh’ will find a way, even through the forests,” he said. “Instead of creating a limited framework that draws fire, the state should completely shut down transportation and withdraw forces from the mountain.”

In a typical year, Meron would already be bustling with activity and final preparations at this stage. This year, however, uncertainty hangs heavily over the hilula of Rav Shimon Bar Yochai. While police have announced that the event will not take place in its regular format due to security concerns, the atmosphere on the ground is increasingly tense.

Speaking from Meron, Rabbi Miller described what he called an unprecedented situation. “We are seeing something we have never seen before — infrastructure is constantly being assembled and dismantled,” he said. Although the current plan allows for bonfires with up to 200 participants — an increase from just 30 attendees last year — Miller argued that trying to “manage” the event in a limited format is a strategic mistake that could carry serious consequences.

“Don’t drag us into a disaster,” he warned, explaining that enforcing a reduced-capacity plan within the village itself is likely to create unnecessary friction and endanger lives. “The location is dangerous, there is no argument about that. But one must understand that for a large segment of the public, going up to Meron is not a ‘festival’ — it is a religious event rooted in the teachings of the Arizal. There are people who will come at any cost, by any means, even under fire.”

Miller placed responsibility on decision-makers, questioning the current approach. “Why endanger thousands of police officers? They are stationed at exposed routes, without protective barriers, just to try to stop a handful of people. If the state truly fears a disaster, it should completely shut down public transportation and the distant access roads, and turn off the lights on the mountain. The moment any official framework exists, it draws people to come.”

Asked whether violent confrontations between police and those attempting to reach the site could erupt again, Miller expressed concern. “Right now, that’s how it looks. Those who came with mesirus nefesh over the past three years will try again this year. If the police continue with the current approach of confrontations in the village, we may return to the difficult scenes we have witnessed in the past.”

He called on police and the Minister of National Security to take responsibility. “Do not place 19-year-old Border Police soldiers in an impossible situation מול a believing ציבור. The mountain should be cleared of heavy police presence within the crowded areas, and access should be prevented at earlier stages along the intercity roads.”

Despite his criticism, Rabbi Miller concluded with an appeal to the public to follow Home Front Command instructions that are meant to save lives.

{Matzav.com}