Israel’s former Sephardic Chief Rabbi, Rav Shlomo Moshe Amar, issued a strong warning urging the public not to travel to Meron this year amid security concerns, stressing that even a possibility of danger is enough to stay away.
Speaking in a special interview on Kol Chai radio’s central news program with Avi Mimran, just one day before the hilula of Rav Shimon bar Yochai, Rav Amar addressed the security restrictions and police calls to avoid the site, making clear that halacha requires extreme caution. “If there is even a doubt, it is not advisable,” the rov said. “Security matters override everything. Preserving life overrides everything.”
Rav Amar emphasized that the public does not have the ability to properly assess the security situation and must rely on those responsible for making such decisions. “There are people appointed over this, who have up-to-date knowledge at every moment. We must listen and not try to outsmart the situation,” he said. He added that those who remain at home will not lose out spiritually. “Rebbi Shimon is present everywhere. His merit is great and reaches the entire world.”
Expanding on the spiritual significance of the day, Rav Amar spoke about the power attributed to Rashbi. “He said that he could exempt the entire world from judgment. We ask that he stand in prayer and not remain silent,” he said, also noting the many miracles that have accompanied Jews throughout the generations through the study of the Zohar.
Regarding his own traditional hadlaka, Rav Amar said it may take place in Yerushalayim instead. “I am not pushing and not insisting. If they say it is possible, I will do it. If not, then not. My satisfaction is that I am not going, because I know I am acting according to Torah law.”
He concluded with a call for the public to follow instructions carefully. “Do not go beyond what is allowed. Listen to the rules. Protect your children and your daughters,” he said, adding a closing tefillah: “A-lmighty G-d should have mercy and redeem the people of Israel with an eternal redemption.”
{Matzav.com}