Approximately 800 Haredi Jews prayed at Rav Ashi’s tomb on the Blue Line, protected by the IDF. This marked a significant event as it was the first large-scale visit since the site became a contested area post-2000. Previous unauthorized attempts to visit led to conflicts with the military, raising legal issues amidst concerns from the U.N. about regional stability.
On the night of March 7, 2025, approximately 800 Haredi Jews gathered to pray at the tomb of Rav Ashi, located on the U.N.-delineated Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon. Authorized and protected by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), this marked a significant event as it was the first time such a large group visited the site. Rav Ashi, a prominent Babylonian sage, is recognized for compiling the Gemara, an essential aspect of the Talmud.
This pilgrimage occurred on the 7th of Adar, a date commemorating both the birth and death of Moses, a time when many observe the graves of tzadikim (righteous individuals). Previous uncoordinated visits had taken place at Rav Ashi’s tomb, leading to confrontations between visitors and IDF soldiers, with some crossing into Lebanese territory and facing arrests. This highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding access to the site.
The burying place of Rav Ashi, once entirely under Israeli control until the IDF’s withdrawal from Southern Lebanon in 2000, is now split by a boundary fence. This area has been a flashpoint, with the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon condemning the recent pilgrimage as a breach of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701. They stressed the importance of maintaining stability in the region and called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.
In February 2025, Israeli authorities detained several ultra-Orthodox Jews who attempted to visit the tomb without prior permission, emphasizing the legal complexities surrounding such pilgrimages. Police noted that these individuals were unaware of the legal implications of their actions. This incident was not isolated; it reflects a broader issue of unauthorized crossings that has involved confrontations with military forces.
Tragically, public visits to the site have ended in violence, as seen in November 2022 when scholar Ze’ev Erlich and an IDF soldier were killed during an encounter with Hezbollah after entering Southern Lebanon. Erlich was posthumously recognized as a fallen IDF soldier, despite not being an active reservist at the time.
This recent gathering at Rav Ashi’s grave underscores the religious significance of the site while also illuminating the complex geopolitical and legal circumstances surrounding it, as tensions remain high between Israel and Lebanon.
The gathering of 800 Haredi Jews at Rav Ashi’s grave highlights the religious fervor surrounding this significant site, especially on such a meaningful date. However, this event also brings to the forefront the ongoing tensions and legal complexities associated with the Blue Line demarcation. The U.N.’s condemnation and past violent incidents emphasize the delicate balance required to maintain stability in this region, necessitating continued dialogue and understanding. The efforts of the IDF to secure this pilgrimage show the complexities of religious freedom intertwined with security concerns in a contested territory.
Original Source: www.jewishpress.com
