Meron Issues Pikuach Nefesh Warning: Do Not Come to Kever Rashbi

The City of Meron issued a public warning Monday urging people not to come to Kever Rashbi, as authorities enforced a full closure of the area ahead of Lag BaOmer. Officials said all roads to the mountain are blocked and no access will be permitted.

The city’s notice stressed the life-threatening risks behind the decision. “Pikuach nefesh! The Home Front Command has ruled that it is forbidden to go up this year to the holy site of Meron,” the message said, adding that no arrivals would be allowed and that all roads to the mountain remain closed.

The mass hillula was officially canceled Sunday morning following instructions from the Home Front Command and a decision by the political leadership. According to Kan News, the move came after an Israeli assessment that Hezbollah could attempt to fire rockets toward the area during the event.

On Monday, large forces of Israel Police and Border Police were deployed across the region, blocking access routes and preventing unauthorized entry. Authorities said private vehicles and organized buses would not be allowed to reach the site, and transportation companies were warned not to send buses toward Meron.

Security forces also expanded their presence beyond the main roads. Border Police units were deployed in forests and open areas surrounding the moshav, using observation equipment and off-road vehicles to prevent attempts to reach the site on foot.

Police called on the public to comply with the restrictions. “We call on the public to show personal responsibility and mutual responsibility, and to celebrate the hillula of Rashbi at home, in synagogues, and in their local communities,” the statement said.

Instead of the usual 19 bonfires, authorities had planned to allow three symbolic lightings, each limited to 200 participants and representing different communities. The events were expected to be filmed and broadcast. However, officials warned that even these limited gatherings may be canceled due to severe weather conditions, with forecasts pointing to winds of up to about 50 mph in the area.

Nearly NIS 100 million had already been invested in preparing the Meron site to receive the tens of thousands who typically attend the annual hillula. In recent days, workers and volunteers dismantled large stages, kitchens, and hospitality areas that had been fully set up for the event. One volunteer described the scene: “Everything was ready, even the spices were standing in place like in formation. It felt like arriving at a wedding hall with the salads already on the table, and the wedding was suddenly canceled.”

Rabbi David Yosef also addressed the situation, warning against risking lives by attempting to reach the site. “Saving a life overrides the entire Torah,” he said.

As of Monday, Meron remains fully sealed off, with authorities urging the public to stay away and mark Lag BaOmer locally. The immediate question is whether the limited bonfires will proceed under both the security restrictions and the worsening weather conditions.