The Tel Aviv-Jaffa Municipality on Sunday called on residents to celebrate Lag Ba'Omer without lighting traditional bonfires.
The holiday will take place on Thursday evening and Friday, and the municipality is asking citizens not to light bonfires because of safety and environmental considerations. Bonfires produce smoke and air pollution and cause breathing difficulties, the city said.
The Environmental Protection and Health ministries are also urging alternative ways to celebrate the holiday.
Lag Ba’omer this year coincides with Earth Week and shortly after Earth Day on April 22.
The municipality stressed that it would forbid lighting Lag Ba’omer bonfires in public places such as the Tel Aviv Promenade, gardens, beaches and parks, except for some open and exposed fields.
Instead of bonfires, the municipality is offering various pro-environment alternatives and activities to celebrate this year’s holiday, such as lantern tours and stargazing.
There will also be a number of events at the city’s community centers that will host a creative figures workshop, a tour of Tel Aviv Independence Park, carpentry workshops and public singing.