Significant Gathering of Haredi Jews at Rav Ashi’s Tomb Under IDF Protection
Approximately 800 Haredi Jews prayed at Rav Ashi’s tomb on the Israel-Lebanon border under IDF protection, coinciding with a significant Hebrew date. The U.N. criticized the event as a violation of security resolutions, highlighting ongoing tensions in the area. Previous attempts to access the site without permission had resulted in confrontations and arrests.
On March 7, 2025, approximately 800 Haredi Jews gathered to pray at the tomb of Rav Ashi, located at the U.N.-delineated Blue Line marking the border between Israel and Lebanon. This significant event took place with the consent and protection of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
Rav Ashi, a prominent Babylonian sage who lived from 352 to 427 C.E. and is known for his compilation of the Gemara, is believed to be interred within the IDF’s Tziporen outpost. The site has become disputed territory, with differing claims over its location.
The mass gathering coincided with the seventh day of Adar, a date observed in the Hebrew calendar as both the birth and death anniversary of Moses, prompting some to visit graves of tzadikim, or righteous individuals. Previous attempts by individuals to access the tomb without authorization had led to confrontations with IDF personnel and arrests.
The U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon, responsible for monitoring the area, condemned the pilgrimage as a breach of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, urging restraint from all parties involved. The organization underscored the need for stability and continued support for the Lebanese Army’s presence in the region.
In February, about 20 ultra-Orthodox Jews were detained for seeking entry to the tomb without official approval. Israel Police revealed that misinformation had circulated, leading individuals to believe the site was open for visits, reflecting ongoing tensions in accessing the area.
The pilgrimage was not without previous incidents; the loss of Ze’ev Erlich, a scholar, and Sgt. Gur Kehati during a conflict with Hezbollah in late 2022 highlights the risks associated with unauthorized border crossings, prompting military recognition of Erlich as a fallen IDF soldier posthumously.
The gathering of 800 Haredi Jews at Rav Ashi’s tomb marks a significant communal event authorized by the IDF, emphasizing the complex history and sovereignty issues regarding this contested site. The response from the U.N. underscores the delicate nature of Israeli-Lebanese relations. Prior unauthorized access attempts have resulted in confrontations, raising questions about religious practices in contested territories.
Original Source: www.jewishpress.com
