Lag Ba'omer Pilgrimage at Mount Meron Canceled Amid War, Yet Hundreds Defy Restrictions

The Lag Ba'omer pilgrimage to Mount Meron, the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, normally draws tens of thousands. Hezbollah rocket alerts, the COVID-19 pandemic and a 2021 crush that killed 45 have prompted tighter crowd limits, with the 2024 Home Front Command capping outdoor gatherings at 200. On May 5, 2026, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the event canceled, yet many ultra-Orthodox worshippers entered the site. Magen David Adom treated 62 people, 23 hospitalized, including a 50-year-old with a head injury and a 15-year-old with second-degree burns on 18 % of his body.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews gather at Meron site, violate wartime Lag B’Omer restrictions

Sunday saw all Meron access roads closed and the bonfire program reduced to three 200-person ceremonies. By Monday night an estimated 20,000–33,000 worshippers had arrived, bypassed fences and lit bonfires. Police later claimed “the entry of thousands … has so far been prevented,” but video showed mass entry. Hundreds of officers and Border Guard units were deployed. MDA recorded 62 treated, 23 hospitalized. The Home Front Command kept limits at 200 outdoors and 600 indoors.

Times of Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Home Front Command approved the cancellation. Israel Police announced that authorities had prevented the entry of thousands and warned checkpoints would stay open until May 6. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir praised officers for their gentle handling of the crowd. Rabbi Elimelech Biderman organized a Jerusalem bonfire for about 33,000 participants. Sephardic Chief Rabbi David Yosef urged worshippers to stay home, saying preserving life overrides religious observance.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews gather at Meron site, violate wartime Lag B’Omer restrictions

Chief Rabbi David Yosef warned “preserving life overrides the entire Torah,” urging avoidance of the pilgrimage. Pilgrim told Ynet “Anyone can come,” contradicting police claims. Video showed worshippers overturning fences, cutting holes with wire cutters, and walking to the bonfire. Commander Meir Eliyahu called them “extremist actors” and warned against provocations. The contrast between official statements that entry was blocked and footage of thousands entering highlights a reporting gap.

Times of Israel

• “The entry of thousands of people into the Meron area has so far been prevented, and the arrival of hundreds of buses traveling in violation of the [Home Front Command] guidelines has been thwarted,” — Israel Police spokesperson

Times of Israel

• “anyone can come” — Pilgrim, Ynet interview

Ultra-Orthodox Jews gather at Meron site, violate wartime Lag B’Omer restrictions

• “I think we should commend all the officers who are currently at all the checkpoints surrounding Meron, and they’re working very gently. I hope that it will continue this way,” — National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir

Times of Israel

• “Preserving life overrides the entire Torah,” — Sephardic Chief Rabbi David Yosef

Times of Israel

Authorities will hold two bonfire lightings in Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah and Ezrat Torah, each limited to 200 participants. Police will keep roadblocks and checkpoints around Meron until at least May 6 and continue monitoring for further breaches.

Times of Israel