Memories from the Past: When the Celebration at Meron Was Canceled

This year, it seems that the large celebration at Meron will not take place, due to the danger looming from the north.

The last time the celebration was canceled, it was also due to danger; nonetheless, a memory of the event took place at Meron. Here's what happened: On the 14th of Iyar, 1948, Ben Gurion declared the establishment of the state, which led the armies of seven Arab countries to invade Israel and attempt to destroy it. Arab residents within Israel also fought against Jews in various locations.

Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai's tomb was near the Arab village of Meron. It became the stronghold of the "Rescue Forces" from the Arab states, led by Fauzi al-Qawuqji, who chose to fortify themselves specifically in the tomb's compound, which was a solid and protected stone structure. Old artillery was positioned atop Rabbi Shimon's tomb, aimed at Safed to harm the Jewish defenders of the city. Approaching Mount Meron or the tomb on Lag B'Omer, just two weeks after the war began, was unthinkable.

Jewish fighters, brainstorming on how to break through and conquer Meron, decided they wouldn't allow the enemy to control this sacred site on Rabbi Shimon's celebration day. Thus, in the dead of night, while the terrorists guarded the tomb, the fighters arrived from behind, placing a great amount of dynamite in the sheikh's house at the village center, and then vanished into the darkness.

The fighters secretly returned to Safed, called the Jews of Safed to gather at "Hakhel Tapuchin Kadishin" near the Ari Synagogue, from where Rabbi Shimon's tomb was clearly visible, promising them a splendid fire. About half an hour later, a loud explosion was heard. The sheikh's house was lifted up with a bang, and a great flame rose to the sky...

The following year, 1949, the entire Galilee celebrated the liberation of Safed and Meron, preparing to renew the traditional celebration held for over three hundred years. However, a new problem arose: the commanding officer who captured the village of Meron found a form in the Arab commander's diary for ordering sophisticated French mines. There was concern that the area was mined, leading to announcements of potentially canceling the celebration again. At the last moment, a company of soldiers using mine detectors combed the area and decided there was no danger. The celebration was thus held grandly, based on conditions of the time, with over twenty thousand people gathering at Meron that Lag B'Omer of 1949. It's noteworthy that there was no running water or electricity in Meron back then. The Ministry of Religious Affairs brought barrels of water, and lanterns were hung on the walls. Nevertheless, joy was in no short supply.