As Lag Ba’omer approaches and crowds begin to ascend to Meron for the annual hilula of Rav Shimon bar Yochai, Hilula Project Coordinator Yossi Deutsch gave an in-depth interview in Hebrew to Kikar HaShabbat, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the intense preparations, major upgrades, and the unique challenges facing this year’s event, particularly the shortened time window due to it falling on Erev Shabbos. Matzav.com provides some highlights of the interview.
Deutsch revealed that at any given moment, a maximum of 63,500 people will be permitted on Har Meron, an increase from 52,000 two years ago. “We’ve expanded the infrastructure wherever possible. The site now allows 63,500 to be present simultaneously,” he said.
With Lag Ba’omer beginning Thursday evening and ending early Friday afternoon, the event spans only 16 to 18 hours, half the usual 36-hour window. As a result, the number of entry tickets has been reduced from 204,000 last year to approximately 150,000 this year.
“Everyone must understand—we are talking about pikuach nefesh,” said Deutsch. “This is not about denying access or being cruel. We want people to leave their homes safely, arrive in Meron safely, and return home safely and joyfully.”
He confirmed that the traditional central bonfire lighting will be led by the Boyaner Rebbe on Thursday at 8:30 p.m., in accordance with the post-tragedy regulations allowing only one main hadlakah on the mountain. All other lightings will take place either in the Bnei Akiva compound or the expanded Area 89, which now spans 63,000 square meters.
Deutsch urged the public to avoid travel from Meron to Yerushalayim and central Israel after 1:00 p.m. on Friday due to anticipated traffic jams. Approximately 20,000 people are expected to remain in Meron for Shabbos.
In response to criticism regarding train service, Deutsch noted that the Transportation Ministry had addressed concerns by allocating two additional trains for soldiers and Carmiel residents.
Beyond logistics, Deutsch emphasized the need for mutual respect and responsibility among attendees. “Everyone who comes is either thanking Hashem or asking for a yeshuah. If people remember that others are waiting for the same thing—be it in Yerushalayim, Netivot, or Haifa—we will naturally behave better.”
He called on the public to approach the event with humility and patience: “If someone is in your way, don’t push. If there’s a crowd, step aside. Help one another. Ask permission kindly. If we behave with derech eretz, this hilula will be a model of safety.”
Asked whether he views his role as logistical or as a public mission, Deutsch replied emotionally: “I see it as a mission. I go to Rav Shimon’s tziyon several times a day to daven that I’ll be worthy of this responsibility. I just want everyone to come to Meron in peace and return in peace, with joy.”
Regarding emergency scenarios, Deutsch said clear Home Front Command guidelines are in place in case of missile sirens, including instructions for those with kosher phones to receive alerts.
He concluded with a heartfelt message: “After five difficult years—from COVID to tragedy, to disputes and war—Klal Yisrael needs this moment of unity. We come here to daven for the hostages, for peace, for an end to division. Let’s make Meron a place of compassion and holiness, not conflict. And may our tefillos be accepted with love and favor.”
{Matzav.com Israel}