Eight hundred Haredi Jews prayed at Rav Ashi’s grave on the Israeli-Lebanon border, under IDF escort and authorization. The visit coincided with a significant date in the Hebrew calendar and sparked criticism from UNIFIL for violating resolution mandates. Past incidents involving unauthorized visits have raised concerns over safety and territorial disputes.
Eight hundred Haredi Jews participated in a prayer service at the tomb of Rav Ashi, located on the Blue Line that separates Israeli and Lebanese territories, with authorization and protection from Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This significant gathering occurred during the early hours of the 7th of Adar, which commemorates both the birth and death of Moses, a day on which visiting the graves of tzadikim is traditional.
Rav Ashi, a chief figure credited with compiling the Gemara, is believed to rest within the IDF’s Tziporen outpost, a site of contention regarding its classification as part of Lebanon or Israel. The recent pilgrimage was notably protected by the IDF, marking a departure from previous instances where individuals had crossed into disputed territory without coordination.
Following the IDF’s withdrawal from the Southern Lebanon security zone in 2000, the site was split between the two nations, further complicated by a division fence. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) condemned this gathering, citing it as a breach of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, and cautioned against actions that could disrupt the fragile stability in the area.
Concerns regarding unauthorized visits to Rav Ashi’s tomb surfaced when the Israel Police detained approximately 20 ultra-Orthodox individuals earlier this year for attempting to access the site without proper clearance. Police officials indicated that these individuals misunderstood the legal implications of their visit.
Significantly, incidents in the area have led to fatalities, including the tragic death of scholar Ze’ev Erlich during an altercation with Hezbollah terrorists in November. The military subsequently acknowledged him posthumously as a fallen soldier, illustrating the ongoing risks in cross-border interactions.
The recent pilgrimage to Rav Ashi’s tomb involved 800 Haredi Jews, marking a rare and significant event. Authorized and escorted by the IDF, this prayer service coincided with a notable date in the Hebrew calendar. However, the event attracted criticism from UNIFIL and reflects ongoing tensions regarding contested territories. Arrests for previous unauthorized visits highlight the complexities surrounding access to sacred sites in conflict areas.
Original Source: www.jewishpress.com
