At 8:30 p.m. last night, the Admor of Boyan lit the first bonfire in Meron, giving the signal to the opening of the annual celebrations at the kwever of Rav Shimon bar Yochai on Lag Ba’omer. Some 400,000 people attended the festivities last night and are participating today. Magen David Adom paramedics treated some
150 people yesterday . Several of those in need of treatment had either fainted or were suffering from indigestion. All 12 were evacuated to hospitals for further medical attention.
Today, every 20 seconds, another bus arrived in Meron, and 150 shuttles ran full time to bring people close to the ohel of Rashbi. Religious and nonreligious, from every part of Israel and abroad, join the festivities.
Besides davening at the ohel, musicians played, visitors danced, hospitality tents provided group meals and large bonfires were lit.
$2 million in construction and infrastructure projects were initiated last year by the Tourism Ministry to accommodate the large crowds which included pedestrian tunnels, roadway upgrades and facility improvement.
Schools in Eretz Yisroel are closed today, as are many places of work.
{Yair Alpert-Matzav.com Israel}
