Roughly 800 Haredi Jews prayed at Rav Ashi’s tomb near the Israel-Lebanon border, escorted by Israeli forces, marking a historic and organized visit. The pilgrimage coincided with a significant date in the Hebrew calendar, while previous unauthorized attempts led to tensions and arrest. The UN criticized the gathering as a potential breach of international resolutions, highlighting ongoing complexities in the region.
On a recent occasion, roughly 800 Haredi Jews gathered to pray at the tomb of Rav Ashi, situated near the U.N.-defined Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon. This significant event took place overnight on a Thursday, with approval and protection provided by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The pilgrimage marked a historic first, as it was one of the largest organized visits to the site under military escort.
Rav Ashi, who lived from 352 to 427 C.E., is renowned as the Babylonian sage responsible for compiling the Gemara, a crucial part of the Talmud. His grave is located inside the IDF’s Tziporen outpost. However, Lebanese authorities assert that this site lies within Lebanese territory according to the Blue Line.
This pilgrimage coincided with the 7th day of the month of Adar, recognized in the Hebrew calendar as both the birthday and death date of Moses. It is customary for some to visit the graves of revered Jewish figures, known as tzadikim, on such occasions. Earlier attempts for unauthorized visits had resulted in conflicts with IDF personnel, leading to arrests of individuals crossing into Lebanese territory.
Prior to Israel’s withdrawal from Southern Lebanon in 2000, Rav Ashi’s tomb was under the control of Jerusalem. Post-withdrawal, the area was partitioned, creating a division marked by a fence. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) criticized the pilgrimage, labeling it a breach of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701. UNIFIL emphasized the need for all parties to avoid actions potentially destabilizing the fragile situation.
Concerns about unauthorized visits were highlighted when, in mid-February, approximately 20 ultra-Orthodox Jews were detained by Israeli police for trying to visit the tomb without the necessary permissions. Officials stated that these individuals were misinformed about the site’s accessibility for prayer.
Recent history includes tragic incidents involving unauthorized visits to Southern Lebanon. In November, Ze’ev Erlich, an archaeological expert, lost his life in a confrontation with Hezbollah after entering the area. The IDF chose to honor him as a fallen soldier, despite not being on active duty.
In conclusion, the recent collective prayer at Rav Ashi’s grave underscores the complex interactions between religious observance and geopolitical boundaries in the region. This first-instance pilgrimage, conducted with IDF protection, highlights ongoing tensions related to territorial disputes and unauthorized crossings. As highlighted by UNIFIL’s condemnation, such events may risk destabilizing the delicate stability in the area. Further, past incidents involving unauthorized visits serve as a reminder of the risks involved in these pilgrimages.
Original Source: www.jewishpress.com
