Tense preparations at Mt. Meron; WZO says sorry

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political writer Tal Schneider and Religion and Diaspora Affairs reporter Judah Ari Gross join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Gross talks about start of Lag B'Omer festival in Israel, marking one year since Mount Meron tragedy and steps government has taken this year to streamline the event and make it safer. Schneider discusses Knesset bill regarding army education scholarships and how it may become a test for the shaky coalition. Gross also looks at official apology from World Zionist Organization following their involvement in protests against Women of the Wall at the prayer services earlier this month. Discussed articles include: Entry limits, structural fixes as Israel aims to avoid repeat of 2021 Meron disaster Police arrest group suspected of planning to sabotage Lag B’Omer events at Mt. Meron Scalpers offer fake Meron festival tickets, subverting new safety measures – report WZO says cooperation with group that violently protested Women of the Wall was error Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Police evacuate Jewish worshipers ahead of the Lag B'omer festival, at the Tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, in Meron, northern Israel on May 17, 2022 (Courtesy David Cohen/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.