Over recent years the annual machlokes surrounding who is in charge of Kever Rashbi on Lag B’Omer accompanies the day. However, the Knesset Interior Committee headed by MK Miri Regev has attempted to put the dispute to rest, announced the day’s event hosting some 400,000 visitors to the tziyun will be the exclusive responsibility of the Ministry of Tourism.

Miri announced she plans to make order and avoid conflict in the future, using the opportunity to thank MK (Yahadut Hatorah) Menachem Eliezer Moses, who explained to the forum the logistics involved and the problems that have been encountered in the past, especially regarding the public transportation. Moses added another problem is the fact there is not one single agency assuming responsible for the entire day’s events and as a result, too many critical issues fell through the cracks.

Regev placed the day’s events in the hands of the ministry. She announced Magen David Adom will be the exclusive emergency medical service agency for the day’s events, adding if a tender is held regarding EMS service, other agencies are welcome to compete as well. MK (Shas) David Azoulai pointed out that EMS service in past years was handed by Ichud Hatzalah, pointing out the latter provided excellent pre-hospital medical care without charging patients or the government. MK (Yahadut Hatorah) Yisrael Eichler voiced his objections as well, echoing Azoulai’s remarks. Eichler added he is opposed to giving MDA a monopoly on EMS service.

Regarding vehicular access, private cars will no longer be permitted in the area and motorists will be compelled to use parking lots and then to take shuttles to the Tziyun area. The disabled will be accommodated by shuttle service provided by Ezer Mizion.

Transportation Ministry official Dror Gonen announced this year, 2800 buses will be operating, calling on Miri to do her part to work with relevant agencies to make sure the roads to Meron remain open, with buses having priority.

In closing, Regev told committee members she will be discussing arrangements with the prime minister, other ministers and relevant agencies. She concluded that MDA will have exclusive rights to EMS care, ZAKA will work under the command of police to deal with lost children, and police will address traffic and security issues. The Ministry of Tourism will make the decision as to who will receive a VIP pass, permitting those vehicles access to the area. This is generally sought after by admorim. /

Eichler called on Regev to instruct the Ministry of Transportation to lower the price to Meron on Lag B’Omer. He also asked for shuttle service from the Akko train station.

Regev announced she will instruct the treasury to give the budget for the day’s events to the Tourism Ministry, which will also be in touch with Meron local officials and all relevant agencies to ensure the day passes without incident.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)