Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called on the public not to travel to Meron for the Lag BaOmer gathering at the kever of Rav Shimon Bar Yochai, warning that attendance this year could pose a serious danger to life.

Ben Gvir conducted a comprehensive security assessment Monday evening at Mount Meron, joined by Communications Minister Shlomo Karchi and senior officials from Israel’s security establishment. The meeting focused on preparations for the annual event, which in past years has drawn massive crowds.

Among those present were Police Commissioner Dani Levy, Fire and Rescue Commissioner Eyal Caspi, Deputy Police Commissioner Amir Hetzroni, Northern District Commander Meir Eliyahu, Jerusalem and Heritage Ministry Director-General Shimi Elbaum, and other senior members of the command staff.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Ben Gvir issued a clear message to the public: “This year in Meron, we are guided by the principle of guarding your lives — we are calling on the public not to come. I understand the feelings of everyone who wants to celebrate and rejoice; it is something we all deserve. But this year, as all the leading rabbonim have said: It is a matter of life and death. Do not come to Meron.”

He stressed that the decision was based on security concerns as well as instructions from leading rabbinic authorities, pointing to the tense situation in northern Israel and the restrictions imposed by the Home Front Command.

Ben Gvir also praised the work of the security forces on the ground. “I want to commend the police officers who are standing at checkpoints in the cold, under difficult conditions, and acting with great sensitivity. The officers are working in a very careful and respectful manner, and we call on the public not to come to Meron — do not put your lives at risk.”

Authorities have established a limited framework for this year’s event, restricting it to three official lighting ceremonies: the central lighting by the Boyaner Rebbe, a ceremony representing the religious Zionist community led by Rav Shmuel Eliyahu, and a third lighting for Sephardic communities led by Rav Shlomo Amar.

The tighter restrictions were set following decisions by the Home Front Command and police due to the ongoing security situation in northern Israel. In addition, Rav Shlomo Amar is scheduled to hold the traditional Sephardic lighting in Yerushalayim this evening instead of in Meron, at a gathering near the Shema Shlomo institutions in the Bayit Vegan neighborhood.

{Matzav.com}