JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Less than two days after the Israeli transportation ministry started selling tickets to the Meron festivities, the ministry reports that over 100,000 tickets have already been sold. The ministry expressed satisfaction that the sale was continuing without issues and stressed that tickets would be sold until Thursday and those who wish to travel should hurry to obtain their tickets.
In the wake of the Meron tragedy in 2021 in which 45 people lost their lives, the commission of enquiry set up to investigate the tragedy recommended a new framework for Lag Ba’Omer in which every person wishing to participate in the festivities must buy a bus ticket or shuttle ticket (for those arriving by car), with every ticket serving as an entry permit to the tomb for five hours. No person will be permitted to enter the tomb without a ticket.
The transportation ministry has published several ways to reach the tomb, either from a broad range of sites around the country where buses will be available as well as by using the train service and a special parking lot for communal groups. Private cars will park in Eliphelet and take a shuttle to the tomb. Private cars will only be allowed into the lot on presenting an entry permit.
There will also be shuttles from Meron to Karmiel, where the train service will be increased to allow for the pilgrims ascending to Meron, including a special night service from Karmiel to Tel Aviv and Beit Shemesh.
Deputy Transportation Minister Uri Maklev said that “we are aware of the high demand for tickets but we are working within the framework of the law based on the new regulations. The fact that tens of thousands of tickets were sold within hours testifies to the success of the new setup for prepurchased tickets. The public has shown faith in the ministry and in public transport and is flocking to the site on public transport. We have made a huge investment to ensure that people can ascend to Meron with a safe and reliable service.”
Source: VosIzNeias