Miron Inaugurates Luxurious Restroom Complex, Raising a Question About Satmar Hasidim

Good news for the tens of thousands of Jews who ascend to the holy site of Miron: after years of planning and hardship, a new accessible infrastructure complex was inaugurated near the tomb of the divine Tanna Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, on a level comparable to a hotel.

The structure, built using the method of "arches upon arches" under the supervision of Atzra Kadisha, solves the kohanim issue and raises a playful question about whether the zealots will use it.

The much-discussed project, intended to resolve a longstanding problem, was developed under the leadership of the Ministry of Religious Services and the ministry's director general, Yehuda Avidan, with extensive assistance from the Safra Foundation in Israel through its representative, Mr. Yair Torenheim, alongside joint work with the district committee and the "Committee of Five" that manages the Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai gravesite.

The new building replaces the system of temporary structures that stood on the site and is part of the comprehensive infrastructure reform the mountain is undergoing for the benefit of worshipers and visitors.

Behind the construction of the building lies a complex halakhic process. The location of the building was originally determined in close consultation with the chairman of Atzra Kadisha, the late Gaon Rabbi David Shmidel, who inspected the area together with professionals to prevent any concern.

Due to the high halakhic sensitivity of the site, special emphasis was placed on building "arches upon arches", a halakhic separation, in order to make the building fully accessible even to kohanim. A dedicated path was also laid connecting the building directly to the well-known "Priests' Road."

Close halakhic supervision throughout the process was carried out by Atzra Kadisha staff and the rabbis of the Committee of Five, headed by the Rabbi of the Western Wall and the holy sites, Gaon Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz.

The new building includes dozens of spacious cubicles equipped to the highest standard, and was designed to provide a dignified response to the huge crowds in Miron throughout the year, especially on holidays and special occasions.

As part of making the site accessible, the building was constructed with full accommodations for people with disabilities, so that those with limited mobility can also reach and visit the shrine comfortably and with dignity.

The Ministry of Religious Services and the site administration say this is another significant step in upgrading the experience of staying on the mountain, as part of a development drive that will continue in the coming months.

Now only one question remains, whether Satmar Hasidim will use the restroom facility built with state assistance.