Preparations for the upcoming Lag BaOmer celebration in Meron have reached a new milestone, as the Ministry of Yerushalayim and Jewish Tradition has completed the paving of “Derech Hillel,” a new exit path behind the Tziyon of Rav Shimon bar Yochai.
The new route, which includes stairways and safety railings, is designed to ease crowd flow and reduce congestion at the sacred site.
The project, initiated by Minister of Yerushalayim and Jewish Tradition Meir Porush, Hilula project coordinator Yossi Deutsch, and professional staff at the ministry under Director-General Shimon Album and Deputy Director-General Chaim Rosenshtein, is part of a broader effort to implement lessons learned from previous tragedies and to ensure safer conditions, especially given that this year’s Lag BaOmer falls on a Friday, just as it did during the year of the disaster.
As part of the upgrades, new and expanded access routes have been built, staircases have been divided into sections, and safety railings have been installed.
The goal is to eliminate the bottlenecks around the Tziyon, enhance the safety of pedestrian movement, and allow a larger number of visitors to pass through in an organized, steady, and secure flow—similar to a “conveyor belt” system.
Minister of Yerushalayim and Jewish Tradition Meir Porush stated: “We are investing tremendous efforts to upgrade the safety of the pathways and passages on Mount Meron, but the ultimate success depends on the mutual responsibility and careful adherence to guidelines by each and every visitor ascending to Meron.”
Hilula project coordinator Yossi Deutsch added: “This year, Lag BaOmer falls on a Friday, just like during the year of the tragedy, which obligates all of us to exercise extra caution, show consideration for others, and fully comply with all instructions—so that we can merit to celebrate with Rav Shimon bar Yochai in joy and safety.”
Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Yerushalayim and Jewish Tradition and Head of the Meron Department Chaim Rosenshtein emphasized: “Over the past several months, we have worked tirelessly to open critical bottlenecks around the Tziyon, with the goal of improving crowd flow and enabling tens of thousands of visitors to daven safely and respectfully in Meron.”
{Matzav.com Israel}