Approximately 800 Haredi Jews prayed at Rav Ashi’s grave on the Israeli-Lebanese border, protected by IDF forces. This gathering coincided with the anniversary of Moses’ birth and death. UNIFIL condemned the event as a violation of U.N. resolutions and raised concerns regarding stability in the region. Previous incidents of unauthorized visits highlight ongoing tensions around the site.
On the night of March 7, 2025, approximately 800 Haredi Jews gathered to pray at the grave of Rav Ashi, located along the U.N.-delineated Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon, with the necessary permissions from Israeli authorities and under the protection of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). This significant event occurred on the 7th of Adar, which is observed as the anniversary of both the birth and death of Moses.
Rav Ashi, who lived from 352 to 427 C.E., is known for compiling the Gemara, which is a crucial part of the Talmud. His tomb is situated within the IDF’s Tziporen outpost, an area that Lebanon claims lies within its territory. Historically, this site was under Israeli control until the IDF’s withdrawal from the Southern Lebanon security zone in 2000, which resulted in a division of the area.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) condemned this pilgrimage, characterizing it as a breach of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701. They expressed concerns about actions that could disturb the fragile stability in the region, emphasizing the need for Israeli forces to withdraw from Lebanese territory and support the Lebanese Army.
Prior to this event, Israel Police had previously detained about 20 ultra-Orthodox Jews in mid-February for attempting unauthorized visits to the tomb. They believed the site was open for prayer, which led them to unknowingly breach regulations. Such encounters with border crossing incidents had been recurrent over recent months, aligning with previous concerning interactions between civilians and military forces.
This gathering follows a tragic incident on November 20, involving Ze’ev Erlich, a 71-year-old scholar who was killed during a confrontation with Hezbollah while trespassing into Southern Lebanon. The military has acknowledged his contributions, designating him as a fallen IDF soldier despite not being an active reservist.
This article highlights the recent large congregation of Haredi Jews at the grave of Rav Ashi, conducted under IDF protection and recognized by officials. The event coincided with a significant date in the Hebrew calendar and serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions in the region, as underscored by the response from UNIFIL and prior unauthorized attempts to access the site. The history of control and territorial disputes in this area continues to shape the context of religious observance in close proximity to conflict zones.
Original Source: www.jewishpress.com
