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Israel Cancels Lag Ba'omer Pilgrimage at Mount Meron After Security Warnings
Israeli authorities canceled the annual Lag Ba'omer pilgrimage at Mount Meron following warnings from the Home Front Command. Officials initially considered a reduced event before approving a format allowing up to 1,500 people per compound, but ultimately blocked access routes. The decision affects gatherings at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in northern Israel.
May 3, 2:21 AM·1m read1 source
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Israeli authorities have canceled the annual Lag Ba'omer pilgrimage at Mount Meron, according to reports. The cancellation follows warnings from the Home Front Command. Police have blocked routes leading to the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, preventing the event from proceeding as originally planned.
Officials first considered a reduced symbolic event at the site. They later approved a broader format that would have permitted gatherings of up to 1,500 people in each compound. However, the pilgrimage did not take place in that form.
Background on the Pilgrimage The pilgrimage occurs annually for the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba'omer. It centers on the gravesite of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, also known as Rashbi, located in Meron in northern Israel. Worshippers typically visit the tomb during this period.
A photo captured Jewish worshippers visiting the gravesite ahead of Lag Ba'omer on May 1, 2026. The event's cancellation marks a change from prior years, with security concerns cited as the reason. Further details on potential rescheduling were not provided in the reports.
