The annual hilulah marking the yahrtzeit of the tzaddik Rav Yitzchok Gavra zt”l, which was scheduled to take place this Thursday in Moshav Agur near Beit Shemesh, has been officially canceled by the Israel Police due to severe safety violations.
According to a statement released by police officials, the event cannot proceed as planned because the site lacks essential safety infrastructure required by law. Additionally, there has been local opposition within the moshav to the mass arrival of thousands of visitors.
“The Israel Police urges the public not to travel to the area and risk their lives,” the statement read. “The people of Israel vividly remember past safety failures that resulted in devastating tragedies. With G-d’s help, once all safety deficiencies are corrected and official permits secured, we can revisit the discussion about holding the event.”
A formal notice of assembly cancellation was also issued by police authorities.
In recent years, the kever of Rav Yitzchok Gavra, a Yemenite rov who immigrated to Eretz Yisroel and passed away over seventy years ago, has become a major destination for those seeking yeshuos. Countless stories of miracles attributed to tefillos at his kever have circulated widely, especially around his yahrtzeit on the 21st of Tammuz.
Last year, the hilulah fell on Shabbos, prompting thousands to arrive at the site from Erev Shabbos and remain until Sunday. Many volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the visitors’ needs were met.
This year, an attempt was made by two dedicated individuals, Rabbi Moshe Fishman and Rabbi Shmaryahu Greineman, to organize the hilulah in a proper and structured manner. However, they shared that their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
As of now, with no official body or organization willing to assume responsibility for the event, and in light of the police’s firm opposition, the gathering will not take place unless and until all necessary security arrangements are properly addressed.
{Matzav.com Israel}
What does the Shin Daled have planned for that day?
The kever is not in a beis kevaros, it’s in someone’s backyard. And the road is narrow and no parking area. In addition the access to the moshav is a narrow and winding country road. This is not made for crowds unfortunately.
Why they did not publicize it at the beginning of the week? This hilula have been going on for many years. It is simply another issue with Ahavat Israel. Once a year people come and some can’t take it it is too hard for them. I would not like to be in their shoes. The kovod of the tzadik have been jeopardized and it won’t be ignored in shamayim. HM yerachem on us! We came specially and were met by 50 policemen. No signs outside nothing in the media this seems like a big political issue more than anything else. These statements are just a cover-up