Story perspectives

Jerusalem neighborhoods host mass bonfires as Meron closes.

5/5/2026

Center

Police Shift Bonfires

Police scheduled mass bonfire lighting ceremonies in Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah and Ezrat Torah for May 4 2026, replacing the closed Meron site.
Authorities shifted Lag BaOmer bonfire celebrations to Jerusalem neighborhoods after closing Mount Meron to large crowds.
The shift follows security concerns over Hezbollah rocket fire that led to Meron road closures.
Sheikh Jarrah, home to Shimon HaTzadik’s tomb, attracted thousands in 2024 when Meron closed.

Left

Authorities Limit Bonfires

Satellite images show a pollution cloud over Israel on Lag BaOmer, with pollutants seven to twenty times higher than normal days.
Authorities shifted Lag BaOmer bonfires to Jerusalem neighborhoods after closing Mount Meron to crowds.
Environmental Protection Ministry says particles can be 86% of pollution, while Health Ministry reports children suffer respiratory irritation and worsening asthma; officials recommend lantern walks or small wood bonfires to cut emissions and plastic waste.

History

Historical Context

After the 1988 Tel Aviv smog crisis, Israel created the Ministry of Environmental Protection (ministerial post established 22 December 1988) to coordinate air-quality policy. Rising pollutants—NOx levels doubled twice between 1980 and 2002—prompted nationwide emission targets. Today the ministry guides health alerts as Hezbollah rockets and Lag BaOmer bonfire smoke affect Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah and Ezrat Torah neighborhoods.

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Police Shift Bonfires

Police scheduled mass bonfire lighting ceremonies in Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah and Ezrat Torah for May 4 2026, replacing the closed Meron site.
Authorities shifted Lag BaOmer bonfire celebrations to Jerusalem neighborhoods after closing Mount Meron to large crowds.
The shift follows security concerns over Hezbollah rocket fire that led to Meron road closures.
Sheikh Jarrah, home to Shimon HaTzadik’s tomb, attracted thousands in 2024 when Meron closed.

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