The Israeli Ministry of Transport issued a statement today outlining new regulations intended to maintain seder at the kever of the Tanna Rav Shimon bar Yochai in Meron on Lag Ba’omer. To help manage the massive crowds expected to ascend to the holy site, visitors will be limited to a maximum stay of five hours within the site.
To uphold this policy, an advanced reservation system will be implemented. Every visitor will be required to secure a ticket ahead of time, which will indicate not only their allowed date but also a precise entry time. Each ticket will entitle its holder to a stay of five hours from the time of entry, after which the person will be expected to vacate the area.
Ticket reservations will open tomorrow afternoon and remain available until the following Monday.
Officials have made it clear that only those with confirmed reservations will be granted access to the tziyun, and anyone attempting to remain beyond their designated time will be asked to leave. There will be no exceptions, even for those already inside the compound.
Additionally, a significant adjustment has been introduced this year due to the timing of the hadlakah falling out on Erev Shabbos. To prevent any possible chilul Shabbos, all public transportation departing Meron toward central and southern regions of Eretz Yisroel will be suspended beginning Friday at 1:00 p.m., a notable change from previous years, when buses continued operating much later into the afternoon.
{Matzav.com Israel}