United Hatzalah, Israel”s national volunteer-based EMS organization, has announced that it has completed all of its operational and logistical preparations for the medical coverage of the upcoming Lag BaOmer festivities in Meron. Like every year, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims are expected to flock to the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron on the anniversary of his death, which begins Monday evening next week and lasts through Tuesday.
United Hatzalah medical teams, which comprise doctors, paramedics, and EMTs from the entire country, will take part in the operation to ensure the visitors” medical safety. They will operate in shifts and will be strategically positioned throughout the different compounds of the site in coordination with the various emergency agencies in order to provide the quickest medical response to any scenario.
In addition, the organization”s medevac helicopters will be available throughout the entire festivities and ready to assist should the need arise.
The organization’s Founder and President, Eli Beer, commented on the preparations, saying: “We have been working closely with local authorities to ensure that we are fully prepared for the festivities in Meron. We want to thank the government project manager Yossi Deitch, the heads of the security and emergency agencies, as well as the organizers of the event for recognizing the key role United Hatzalah volunteers play in the biggest medical safety operation of the year.”
“Our dedicated team of volunteers has undergone extensive training to ensure that they are ready to provide the highest level of emergency medical care possible,” added Dov Maisel, the organization”s Vice President for Operations. “We call upon all participants to follow the safety guidelines and instructions of the emergency and security forces in order to prevent any unnecessary harm or injury. We hope that the event will be a safe and joyous celebration for all.”
United Hatzalah volunteers in Meron United Hatzalah
Meanwhile, Israel Police announced the completion of its preparations for Lag Ba’omer, adding that in accordance with Jerusalem Minister Meir Porush’s (United Torah Judaism) plan, the site’s capacity will be expanded to 50,000 people.
Police emphasized that arrival at the site will be by public transportation only, and that visitors will need to pre-register. Private vehicles will need to pre-register and park at a designated parking lot, traveling from there to Mount Meron by shuttle.
Police also urged the public to maintain order and obey the stewards.
