Further to the hot and dry weather and in preparation for Lag Ba'Omer: Keren Kayemeth Le-Israel – Jewish National Fund announces that it is absolutely prohibited to light bonfires in the forest areas

KKL-JNF announces that it is absolutely prohibited to light bonfires in the forests, camping parks and open areas, from Friday (May 9) at 08:00 and until Sunday (May 18) at midnight. The prohibition applies throughout Israel. The order also applies to Lag Ba'Omer events that begin on Thursday – May 15 and continue until Friday – May 16.

The prohibition comes against the background of the extreme weather conditions, which increase concerns of fires breaking out and spreading throughout Israel.

Rami Zaritzky – The Supervisor responsible for protecting the forest from fire in emergencies in KKL-JNF, emphasizes: "This year we have experienced huge fires, seconds of fire transformed green areas into black areas and the restoration process will take years. The current hot and dry weather greatly increases the risk of fires breaking out, and we therefore call upon the public to entirely avoid lighting bonfires in areas of KKL-JNF in preparation for Lag Ba'Omer."

KKL-JNF calls upon the public to follow the guidelines and celebrate Lag Ba'Omer safely, while protecting nature and public safety.