Preparations for the annual pilgrimage to Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai’s (Rashbi) tomb in Meron are advancing: today (Sunday), construction was completed on the newly paved “Hillel Way” — a new exit path behind the Rashbi tomb. The new pathway, featuring stairs and safety railings, is designed to improve crowd flow and reduce congestion at the holy site.
New and Expanded Access Routes
As part of the upgrade, new and widened access paths have been established, divided staircases were built, and additional safety railings installed. The goal is to eliminate bottlenecks around the sacred tomb, enhance movement safety, and allow larger crowds to enter in an organized “moving line” system — steady, orderly, and secure.
Minister for Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition, Meir Porush, stated: “We are investing significant efforts into upgrading the safety of walkways and routes on Mount Meron, but the final success depends on mutual responsibility and the compliance of every visitor ascending to Meron.”
Ensuring Safe and Dignified Prayer for the Tens of Thousands Ascending Meron
Event project manager Yossi Deutsch added: “This year, Lag BaOmer falls on a Friday — just like the year of the disaster — which requires us all to exercise even greater caution, show consideration for others, and strictly follow all guidelines, so that we may celebrate with Rashbi safely and joyfully.”
Deputy Director General of the Ministry for Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition, and head of the Meron Department, Chaim Rosenstein, emphasized: “Over recent months, we have worked to eliminate critical bottlenecks around the tomb, aiming to broaden crowd flow and ensure safe and respectful prayer for the tens of thousands who will ascend Meron.”
