The masses of people who came to Meiron on erev rosh
chodesh Av to pray at the grave of Rabbi Shimon Bar
Yochai found the gravesite in a state of total darkness, as
a result of a decision by the Religious Affairs Ministry to
cut off all electricity. The Electric Company explained that
this was a matter of pikuach nefesh, since it was
feared that the entire electric system was in imminent
danger of failure. On Shabbos electricity was restored but
it could not be determined if permanent arrangements had
been made.
Visitors to the site protested the decision, noting that the
Ministry should have made alternative provisions, especially
since so many people frequent the site during this
period.
On Thursday, 28 Tammuz, Yated Ne'eman reported that
the gravesite of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai was completely
dark, due to orders issued by the Religious Affairs Ministry
to cut off electrical current for safety reasons. Ministry
Director Moshe Shimoni said that he was supposed to arrive
at the site on Thursday, but he postponed his visit. The
Religious Affairs Ministry approved the order to cut off the
electricity, noting that it was preferable to cut off the
electricity than to endanger human lives. The Ministry
spokesman said that the Ministry is planning to devise a
solution for safe, adequate lighting along with the
hekdeishim that have interests in the site.
On Thursday, although the site teemed with people, an
alternative had yet to be found. The many people arriving at
the gravesite protested the inefficiency of those
responsible. They were astounded by the failure to take
action on so important an issue at a site that is considered
the second most important tourist spot in the country, after
the Kosel.
"The problem with the electricity dates back thirty years.
Why have they suddenly now cut off the electricity at a time
when so many people frequent the site?" people asked.
Chairman of the Knesset Internal Affairs Committee Rabbi
Moshe Gafni received many complaints on the issue. During
the day, he spoke with Religious Affairs Ministry personnel
and received the impression that the matter would be taken
are of. When he learned that the many people who visited the
grave found utter darkness, he decided to call an urgent
meeting of the Internal Affairs Committee, at which the
overall problems at Meiron will be discussed. Attention will
be paid to the many shortcomings that surfaced during the
preparations for Lag B'omer, such as the congested
approaches to the site and parking lots. The responsibility
of various bodies such as the Center for Holy Sites, the
Meiron Administration and the various hekdeishim will
also be discussed.
"It is inconceivable that there are such blatant
shortcomings, although so many elements are involved at
Meiron. Where have all the funds gone that were earmarked
for use at that site?" Rabbi Gafni asked. "We have to put an
end to these problems, and to make certain that the
gravesite at Meiron will be administered like every other
important site."
