In a powerful and united call issued ahead of Lag BaOmer, leading gedolim — including members of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudas Yisroel and Degel HaTorah, and the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah of Shas — are urging those who plan to travel to Meron for the hilulah of Rav Shimon bar Yochai to exercise caution, avoid overcrowding, and minimize the length of their stay on the mountain.
In their joint letter, the gedolim state: “The sacred and exalted day is near, the day of Lag BaOmer, the hilulah of the Tanna Eloki Rav Shimon bar Yochai, zechuso yagen aleinu, on which multitudes of Klal Yisroel have a custom to ascend to the holy site in Meron to pour out their prayers before the One Who hears all tefillos.”
The letter expresses that the tragic memory of the Lag BaOmer 5781 disaster — which claimed the lives of 45 precious neshamos — still casts a shadow over the annual pilgrimage.
“We raise our eyes in tefillah to the One Above, and all of Klal Yisroel, wherever they may be, should plead that those ascending to and returning from Meron be protected from all harm, be escorted in peace, and return safely to their homes.”
The gedolim continue: “Along with the tefillos, the blood of 45 holy Jews cries out to us, urging us to improve the way we ascend to Meron on Lag BaOmer. Every individual who plans to make the trip must do their part for the good of the klal. Let us recall the successful hilulah of 5783, when a public call was issued for responsible participation — and with Hashem’s help, it went well.”
This year, they stress, special attention is required. “Our hands must join with those coordinating the Meron events, and our appeal is directed to all those who will be going to the mountain — especially this year, when Lag BaOmer falls on Erev Shabbos, just as it did in 5781. This scheduling demands extra vigilance to prevent dangerous overcrowding caused by the shortened time window.”
They emphasize: “Every person should strive to limit their time on the mountain to as few hours as possible, to avoid crowding and pushing, and to follow the instructions of the event organizers and stewards who are charged with upholding venishmartem lenafshoseichem.”
The letter concludes with a heartfelt bracha: “May the Borei Yisborach hear the tefillos of His people, Yisroel, with compassion, and heed the cries of faithful Jewry — whose Torah is our shield and source of light. May we merit the continued growth of Torah learning in the batei medrash and yeshivos without hindrance, and may the merit of the Tanna Eloki protect all of Klal Yisroel, bringing the geulah swiftly in our days, amein.”

{Matzav.com Israel}