The Israeli police confirmed on Monday the ban on the annual pilgrimage to Meron in the north, which usually attracts tens of thousands of Jews, due to its proximity to the Lebanese border where fighting with Hezbollah continues despite the ceasefire.
The announcement of this cancellation, justified by the “security situation”, was made last Friday and resulted in the closure of roads leading to the pilgrimage site since Sunday morning.
Authorities, concerned that some may try to bypass roadblocks, warned on Monday that “the police will not allow extremist elements to turn this sacred place into a scene of violence” and “will act to prosecute anyone who incites violence or acts against agents carrying out their duty.”
According to Israeli media, thousands of people are currently at the pilgrimage site on Monday, despite the ban on gatherings of more than 200 people in the border area.
The pilgrimage to Mount Meron, in northern Israel, brings together tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews every year around the presumed tomb of Rabbi Simon Bar Yocha, a renowned talmudist from the 2nd century CE.
In a video on Sunday, Israel’s Chief Rabbi David Yossef criticized those who would try to go to Meron despite the bans. “The risk of endangering one’s life cancels all religious commandments and security experts say there is a real danger,” he emphasized.
