National day of mourning in Israel after Mount Meron tragedy that left 45 dead

Monday 3 May 2021

National day of mourning in Israel after Mount Meron tragedy that left 45 dead

Sunday was declared a day of national mourning in Israel after a stampede at the Lag Ba’Omer Jewish holiday at Mount Meron on the evening of Thursday April 29 left 45 dead and 150 injured.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz suggested that the victims be honored on Sunday on a day of national mourning.

A disaster unfolded at Mount Meron in northern Galilee on Thursday April 29. Thousands of Jews, mostly ultra-Orthodox, gathered for the Lag Ba’Omer pilgrimage. An event organized to honor and celebrate the memory of Rabbi Shimon bar Yo'haï, a sage from the 2nd century.

An evening of celebration that turned into a tragedy when a giant stampede resulted in the death of 45 pilgrims and left 150 injured. Videos posted on Twitter show images of the stampede, showing a compact crowd drawn into "a domino effect". This drama would be the worst tragedy in modern Israeli peacetime history, reports The Times of Israel.

According to the Magen David Adom Rescue Service, the deadly stampede was caused by too many people present. A police official said the incident further took place on a slippery walkway with a metal floor that caused pilgrims to slide on top of each other, in a cramped location and while they were too numerous. A recurring complaint heard following the incident also points to virtually non-existent security measures, according to CBN News.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called the incident a "terrible disaster," promised a full investigation and declared Sunday a national day of mourning. "Everyone is praying for the recovery of the injured," said the leader. State flags were therefore at half mast on Sunday and all events and ceremonies originally scheduled for that day were canceled in honor of the victims.

Source (Christian Info)