In light of the recent wave of wildfires across the country, the Ministry of Environmental Protection is urging the public, local and regional authorities, and the education system to refrain from lighting Lag BaOmer bonfires. This call is especially significant in view of the nationwide directive issued by Israel’s Fire and Rescue Commissioner, which prohibits the lighting of fires in all open areas throughout the country from Thursday, May 9, 2025, at 8:00 AM until Saturday night, May 18, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
Lag BaOmer Is a Holiday of Light and Connection – It Can Be Celebrated Differently
Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman encouraged the public and local leaders to join the national effort to protect public health and the environment: “Lag BaOmer is a holiday of light and connection, and it can be celebrated differently—safely, responsibly, and in an environmentally conscious way.”
Air Pollution Spike and Fire Hazards
The Ministry noted that Lag BaOmer bonfires have become a significant source of air pollution in recent years, leading to sharp increases—up to 4 to 8 times the average levels—of hazardous airborne particles. “This pollution is especially dangerous for children, the elderly, and individuals with heart or lung conditions. It can also worsen asthma symptoms and respiratory illness,” the ministry’s statement said.
The combination of high temperatures and prolonged dryness, they warned, significantly increases the risk of large-scale fires.
