Israel cancels Lag Ba’omer Meron pilgrimage after Home Front Command warnings

Israel's annual Lag Ba'omer pilgrimage at Mount Meron has been canceled due to security concerns. Routes to the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai are blocked until May 6, with additional restrictions in place to prevent unauthorized entry. The pilgrimage has been under heightened scrutiny since a 2021 disaster, when a crowd crush resulted in fatalities. Security measures and restrictions have been increased for this year's event, with police warning the public to refrain from attempting to enter the area without authorization.