Today, the Ministry of Jerusalem and Heritage published the list of communities participating in the torch-lighting event at the Rashbi’s tomb at Mount Meron during the Lag BaOmer events.
The Shuvu Banim community, led by Eliezer Berland, was assigned to light the bonfire at 3:30 AM. This is despite Minister Porush pledging in May 2023 that the Shuvu Banim community would be denied an allocation for the next lighting of the bonfire at Meron, taking place today, after Rabbi Berland, who was convicted of indecent acts, assault, extortion and threats, lit the bonfire at the 2023 bonfire in violation of the procedure, which states that a convicted felon may not light a bonfire.
The Movement for Quality Government in Israel previously appealed to Minister of Jerusalem and Tradition Porush, demanding that the Shuvu Banim community not be allowed to participate in this year’s lighting, but this morning it was revealed that the community was included in the list of participating communities.
Adv. Rotem Bavli Dvir, head of the legal department at the Movement for Quality Government in Israel: “We view with great seriousness the participation of the Shuvu Banim community and Rabbi Berland in the Lag BaOmer event at Mount Meron. This is a violation of Minister Porush’s promise regarding the sanctions against the community, and an inappropriate use of the respect and public status that is given to the lighting.
The Movement demands that the ministry reverse this inappropriate decision, and will use all the tools at its disposal to reverse it.”
