Israel cancels major holiday gatherings over fears of a Hezbollah attack
Typically, around 100,000 mostly ultra-Orthodox Jews would gather next week on Mount Meron in northern Israel to celebrate the Lag BaOmer holiday.
However, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that the large festival will replaced with a smaller symbolic ceremony, citing concerns about the gathering being attacked by Hezbollah. Similar restrictions were imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and previous wars.
Mount Meron is only about 4 miles from the border with Lebanon. People normally light bonfires, dance and have large meals there in honor Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a 2nd-century sage and mystic who is believed to be buried on the mountain.
Across Israel, even in secular areas, people often celebrate Lag BaOmer with barbecues and bonfires in parks and forests.
Source: Associated Press
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