As the yahrtzeit of the Tanna Rav Chanina ben Dosa this Shabbos approaches, rabbonim are warning the public not to visit his kever this year due to serious security concerns.
Located in the hostile Arab village of Arraba in the Galilee, the kever has long drawn large crowds, especially on Thursday nights, seen as an eis ratzon for yeshuos. In recent years, the site has become increasingly popular among those seeking yeshuos. However, its sensitive location has made it a cause for concern, and this year, leading rabbonim are urging the public to stay away.
Even under normal circumstances, those who visit the kever of Rav Chanina ben Dosa do so with armed security escorts. But this year, as the yahrtzeit falls on Shabbos, a significant increase in visitors was expected on Thursday night. Due to both the elevated security threat and the difficult terrain, gedolei Yisroel have issued a directive advising against going up to the kever this week.
This warning comes on the heels of a serious terror plot that was narrowly averted. As previously reported, in Elul of last year, the Shin Bet and Israel Police arrested a 23-year-old resident of Arraba, Basel Abahra, who confessed to planning a deadly attack targeting Yidden visiting the site. His plan included detonating explosive devices followed by gunfire.
Rav Eliyahu Ozen of the Chanina Bni organization, which organizes regular visits to the site, underscored the gravity of the threat. “Even those who have an adventurous spirit must consider the safety of the public. According to the information we received from the Shin Bet and police, there is a substantial danger this year in going up to the kever.”
He added, “The logistical realities on the ground simply don’t allow for a mass pilgrimage to the site, especially during such a tense and volatile period. While we understand the deep desire of many to visit and daven at the kever, pikuach nefesh takes precedence, and gedolei Yisroel have made it clear that this year, no one should ascend to the kever.”
Rav Ozen assured the public that tefillos will still be recited on their behalf. “We, with our regular minyan of avreichim, will go to the site after coordinating with the police, who will provide us with enhanced protection from special security units operating in this sensitive area. We will daven for every name submitted to us—for any yeshuah that each person needs. And in the merit of adhering to the guidance of our gedolim, I am certain we will see great salvations.”
{Matzav.com Israel}