Lessons from 2022 tragedy: Preparations for annual Lag B’Omer Meron pilgrimage
All rail lines to Karmiel were designated for pilgrimage, sparking protests
On Thursday, the Lag B'Omer pilgrimage will begin at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in Meron, an event expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people. Access to the site is only possible via special shuttles and with pre-purchased tickets as roads in the area have been closed to private vehicle traffic.
Israel Railways has designated its lines to Karmiel specifically for those traveling to the pilgrimage, and the Karmiel station has been closed for regular service.
This has sparked widespread criticism due to the disruption caused to regular train users, particularly soldiers returning home for the weekend. Additionally, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., trains on the Beersheba–Tel Aviv line will be rerouted to help bolster transportation to the pilgrimage.
Visitors are allowed to remain in Meron for only five hours in order to prevent overcrowding. Ushers from various ultra-Orthodox factions will be present on-site to help maintain order.
Most of the events will take place in a specially constructed area outside the town of Meron, a measure taken in response to the tragedy that occurred in 2022, in which 45 worshippers lost their lives.
A memorial ceremony in honor of the victims will take place in the afternoon.
Golan Yirmiyahu, a representative of the Ministry of Transport on the Committee for Strengthening and Developing the Negev and Galilee, explained that the police, based on the conclusions of the State Inquiry Commission into the Meron disaster, decided to close the Karmiel railway to facilitate emergency evacuation if necessary.
Rubi Hammerschlag is a correspondent for KAN 11 news.
Noam Goldberg is a KAN 11 correspondent.
