Israel Limits Traditional Lag BOmer Bonfires Over Wildfire Risks
Israel bans open fires for Lag B'Omer through June 30 due to wildfire risk; PM Netanyahu cancels Mount Meron pilgrimage.
Jerusalem, 27 April, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israel will impose a nationwide ban on lighting fires and bonfires during the upcoming Lag BaOmer period due to heightened wildfire risk, authorities said. Israel Fire and Rescue Commissioner Lt. Col. Eyal Caspi signed an order prohibiting open fires from May 3 through June 30, except in pre-approved locations.
Barbecues will be allowed only in authorized facilities. Fire services plan to deploy hundreds of personnel for prevention and rapid response.
Lag B’Omer marks the anniversary of the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a 2nd century sage whose works are the foundation of Jewish mysticism. Jews around the world traditionally celebrate his life with bonfires.
The holiday begins at sundown on May 4.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled the mass Lag B’Omer pilgrimage at Mount Meron, where Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai is buried. The event typically draws hundreds of thousands of Israelis. The cancellation followed consultations with the Home Front Command.
