Hundreds Pray at Grave of Talmudic Sage on Lebanon Border Under IDF Protection

Hundreds of haredi Jews gathered overnight Thursday to pray at the tomb of Rav Ashi, a Talmudic sage credited with compiling the Gemara, near the U.N.-delineated Blue Line separating Israel and Lebanon. With permission and under the protection of the Israel Defense Forces, approximately 800 worshippers made the rare pilgrimage to the site.

The visit coincided with the 7th of Adar, a significant date in the Hebrew calendar marking the birth and passing of Moses, when Jews traditionally visit the graves of tzadikim (righteous individuals).

Rav Ashi’s tomb is located inside the IDF’s Tziporen outpost, within Israeli territory, though Beirut claims the site is on the Lebanese side of the border. Before the IDF’s withdrawal from the Southern Lebanon security zone in 2000, the site was fully under Israeli control, but it is now divided by a fence.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), tasked with monitoring Hezbollah’s withdrawal from Southern Lebanon, condemned the prayer gathering, calling it a “violation” of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701. The organization urged Israeli forces to withdraw from all areas Lebanon claims as its territory.

In recent months, multiple groups have attempted to visit the tomb without official authorization. In mid-February, 20 haredi Jews were detained after crossing into the area, unaware of the security restrictions.

The site remains significant both historically and spiritually, with deep ties to Jewish heritage. Despite ongoing tensions in the region, Jewish connection to the Land of Israel endures.

The Jewish people continue to honor their heritage, even in the face of challenges. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates to spread the story of Jewish perseverance.