The Irgun Hahorim parents' organization in Jerusalem has suggested that bonfire's for Lag Baomer be lit on Thursday, May 11, so that the school holiday will take place the next day, according to Channel 2 Television. The proposal will remove the fear of desecration of the Sabbath, the reason for which the Ministry of Education decided to postpone the day off from Sunday to Monday. Friday is already recognized as a day parents do not work and as a short school day.
The initiative was supported by Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi David Lau, who called it "right and proper". While it is not generally acceptable to light bonfires early, Rabbi Lau gave his consent in order to prevent needless hatred. A statement from his office said, "This proposal, which certainly will prevent the desecration of the Sabbath, also implies the addition of unconditional love, prevention of polarization among the people and anger among different communities in Israel."