Emergency services preparing for Lag B’Omer as masses expected to flock to Mount Meron

Emergency services are gearing up for the coming Lag B’Omer holiday this week, when masses of revelers are expected to throng the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai at Mount Meron.

The police, Magen David Adom responders and firefighters will run drills Monday night and Tuesday afternoon, simulating potential disaster scenarios ahead of the holiday.

Securing the pilgrimage site in the face of massive crowds has been a major concern since 2021, when a crowd crush killed 45 people, as they traversed a slippery walkway at the shrine.

First responders will recreate and respond to a variety of scenarios, including a terror attack, rocket fire from Lebanon, a crowd crush, and road blockages.

An MDA spokesperson says hundreds of their paramedics will be at the event Thursday evening, which is expected to draw hundreds of thousands to the northern site.