At a major press conference held Wednesday at “Compound 89” in Meron, officials presented the comprehensive operational plan for the upcoming hilula of Rav Shimon Bar Yochai on Lag BaOmer 5785. Leading the announcement were Minister of Yerushalayim Affairs and Jewish Tradition Meir Porush, Northern District Police Commander Chief Superintendent Meir Eliyahu, Hilula Project Coordinator Yossi Deutsch, along with senior figures from the Ministry of Yerushalayim Affairs, including Director-General Shimon Alboum and Deputy Director and Head of the Meron Division Chaim Rosenshtein.
The 5785 plan builds on last year’s successful model, which enabled a safe and joyous hilula, drawing praise from participants. Several key improvements have been implemented this year to address logistical and safety challenges and to accommodate the unique timing of the event.
Challenge and Response
This year, Lag BaOmer falls on Erev Shabbos, just as it did in 5781 — the year of the Meron tragedy. This reduces the available time for public participation from 28 hours to roughly 16. With the main demand expected during Thursday evening and no secondary evening for events, Friday morning is projected to see a dramatic increase in traffic. The new plan addresses these challenges to ensure a meaningful and safe celebration.
Expanded Grounds and Infrastructure
The area designated for the celebration — including the extended “Compound 89” — will be doubled in size. Viewing space around the tziyun for the central hadlakah will be expanded, along with additional walkways and emergency routes. These changes aim to allow for more participants at any given time without compromising safety.
Crowd Management Strategy
To reduce overcrowding and prevent dangerous congestion, the event schedule has been redesigned. From the moment the hilula begins, ceremonies will take place simultaneously across Meron. Following the traditional lighting by the Boyaner Rebbe atop the tziyun, there will be 10 concurrent focal points of activity, ensuring that the crowds are naturally dispersed.
Throughout the 24-hour period leading up to midday Friday, lighting ceremonies will be ongoing in different sections of Meron. Every visitor will be able to join a lighting of their choice, without needing to push into a single space. This steady flow is designed to replace bottlenecks with balanced, continuous activity.
Unlike in typical years, where Friday mornings are relatively quiet in Meron, this year’s schedule includes consistent programming until midday to further distribute attendance and maintain crowd control.
Management of the Tziyun
Following last year’s successful model and the recommendations of the state inquiry into the Meron disaster, the tziyun will once again be overseen entirely by chareidi marshals. Their goal is to facilitate smooth and orderly access for all who wish to pray at the site, maintaining a safe and uplifting atmosphere. In 5783, this system enabled nearly 140,000 individuals to pass through the tziyun safely.
Preserving Tradition
All lighting ceremonies will be led by communities with longstanding Meron traditions — including Chassidic, Sephardic, and Religious Zionist groups. This year also marks the renewal of a Moroccan Jewish tradition of gathering in Meron from the end of Pesach onward.
Expanded Public Transportation
To meet expected demand, the Ministry of Transportation has agreed to expand service both before and after the hilula. Buses will run in the days leading up to Lag BaOmer, and again following Motzaei Shabbos. There will be enhanced transportation to and from Meron to accommodate the increased flow. Chessed services, such as the hachnasas orchim tent, will also operate after Shabbos.
Promoting Responsibility
The event’s public messaging campaign urges mutual responsibility and encourages visitors to limit their stay to five hours or less. “One hour earlier is one less risk,” organizers say. The campaign highlights the vital role of public cooperation with the safety plan and emphasizes strict adherence to marshal instructions.
Safety Upgrades
The updated operational plan incorporates many recommendations from the state inquiry commission and includes new safety infrastructure built over the past year. All facilities in Meron will be subject to rigorous engineering and safety approvals.
Leadership Speaks
Minister Meir Porush emphasized: “We’ve invested much thought in designing a plan that meets this year’s challenges and enables the continued tradition of Rav Shimon’s hilula in Meron, with Hashem’s help. The key to success is public cooperation. Please remember, there are thousands just like you who want to come. This event has always united all of Klal Yisrael — from the opening procession of Beit Abuhav in Tzfas, to the lighting of the Boyaner Rebbe, to the many uplifting gatherings led by gedolei Yisrael from every group.”
Chief Superintendent Meir Eliyahu added: “Together with the Ministry of Yerushalayim Affairs under Minister Porush, we’ve formed a responsible and effective plan to hold the hilula with joy and security. I call on all attendees to follow the guidelines, listen to the marshals, and avoid unsafe crowding. I join in hoping the event will be a success and that everyone returns home safely.”
Project coordinator Yossi Deutsch noted: “This outline is the result of extensive work and fruitful cooperation with Israel Police, led by Chief Superintendent Eliyahu. We’ve been in close communication with the communities who frequent Meron, and we’re running a broad awareness campaign. The success of the event hinges on collective responsibility and unity.”
Shimon Alboum, Director-General of the Ministry of Yerushalayim Affairs, shared: “Under Minister Porush’s leadership, we’ve spent the past year preparing every detail for a safe and joyful celebration. Thanks to the dedicated work of the Meron Division, we’ve made major investments in infrastructure to expand the joy of Meron.”
Chaim Rosenshtein, Deputy Director of the Ministry and Head of the Meron Division, concluded: “Since this division was formed, we’ve worked tirelessly to ensure professional preparedness, including permanent infrastructure and thoughtful planning. We’ve already implemented a wide range of recommendations from the state inquiry and remain focused on meeting all safety protocols.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
