From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Lawmakers vote to regulate Lag B’Omer pilgrimage in wake of deadly 2021 crush
Sam Sokol is the Times of Israel's political correspondent. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"
Lawmakers vote 11-0 to approve, in its first reading, a temporary measure regulating the celebration of the annual Lag B’Omer pilgrimage at Mount Meron, which is traditionally marked with multiple large bonfires that massive crowds dance around.
If passed into law, the bill would only allow one central lighting event consisting of two bonfires to be held at the northern Israel site. Additional bonfires will only be allowed with the permission of Jerusalem Minister Meir Porush after it has been determined that certain conditions have been met. The bill would also require the issuance of permits to enter the site during the pilgrimage and establish fines for those engaged in unsanctioned bonfires.
In 2021, 45 Israelis were trampled to death during the Mount Meron festivities. A state commission of inquiry later determined that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among the officials personally responsible for the disaster. Porush, who is tasked with ensuring the safety of the pilgrimage, last year said that he would implement the inquiry commission’s findings.
