Tel Aviv Prohibits Bonfires for Lag Ba’omer: Alternatives and Designated Areas Announced

Restrictions on Bonfires

The Tel Aviv-Yafo municipality has announced that the lighting of bonfires will not be permitted in the city this year for the Lag Ba’omer holiday, which falls on May 15. The prohibition, effective from May 9 to May 18, was implemented for safety, environmental, and public health reasons, as concerns grow over air pollution, smoke, and soot detrimental to respiratory health. Only eight designated areas, prepared in advance for safe bonfire usage, will allow small bonfires.

Designated Areas for Bonfire Lighting

The designated sites for bonfires include:

• Parking Lot, Refa’im Street 4
• Groves in Tavlinkin 3 and Tavlinkin 15
• Grove, Zimmernaski Street 4
• Grove in Anatot
• Grove, Ben Tsvi 52
• Grove at the Holon junction near Yochananof
• Grove, Itzel Livna

Even within these areas, adherence to firefighting and safety guidelines is mandatory.

Alternative Celebrations

In a push for environmentally friendly celebrations, the municipality encourages residents to explore alternative activities. These include:

• Community picnics
• Workshops for parents and children on creating wooden toys from scrap materials
• A children’s clothing fair hosted by local grandmothers
• Evening community picnic events

On May 14, an “Alternative Lag Ba’omer” event will occur at the Yossi Banai Center. The city is also promoting ideas for family and community activities such as lantern tours in urban nature, themed picnics in parks, and stargazing.

Nir Afaron, a member of the Tel Aviv-Yafo City Council, emphasized the importance of celebrating responsibly, stating, “Tel Aviv-Yafo invites you to light up Lag Ba’omer – even without bonfires! There are countless exciting ways to celebrate – without polluting the air or compromising our health. Adhering to the guidelines will ensure that Lag Ba’omer is a safe, joyful, exciting, and healthy holiday for all.”

Enforcement Measures

To maintain order and enforce the prohibition, patrol offstartrs, safety personnel, and polstart will be present along the beaches and public areas throughout the festival period.

By offering safe alternatives, Tel Aviv aims to strike a balance between tradition and environmental responsibility, inviting residents to enjoy the holiday while prioritizing public health and safety