Lag Ba’omer tragedy: Why do Jews gather at Mt. Meron for bonfires?

Every year, tens of thousands of Jews from all backgrounds arrive at Mt. Meron to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba’omer, but why is this particular mountain so significant? JPost: Followers of Jewish mysticism traditionally hold a yearly pilgrimage to Mt. Meron on the holiday of Lag Ba’omer in order to honor the teachings of the father of Jewish mysticism, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. The holiday, which starts at sunset on the 33rd day