Over a quarter-million people are expected to go to Meron in the next two days and pray at the grave of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai (Rashbi).
The Religious Services Ministry budgeted the celebration for NIS 15.5 million. About 5,000 police officers will guard the many pilgrims, who will arrive in about 4,000 buses that will make about 7,000 trips back and forth.