The skyline of the historic Jewish cemetery in the holy city of Tzfas was lit up on Monday night by large flames forcing way the many visitors to the kever of the Arizal on the day of his yartzeit.
The annual pilgrimage to the resting place of famous Kabbalist, Rabbi Yitzchak Luria (1534-1572), universally known as the Arizal, was brought to a full stop as a fire spread about the gravesites.
official and volunteer emergency personnel were seen evacuating the public from the area. As of now, no injuries were reported.
People from around Israel travel annually to Tzfas to mark the yartzeit with reciting Tehillim, giving charity and lighting a candle in his memory. Many mention the names of loved ones and friends who need a blessing.
Agudas Chabad in Tzfas, headed by Rabbi Chaim Kaplan, has built a large Hachnosas Orchim tent to accommodate the many visitors. The air-conditioned facility allows people to eat, drink, rest up and joined a line-up of Chassidus classes.