We mourn for the 45 lives taken by the disaster on Mount Meron and we extend our condolences to their families.
Last week on the eve of Lag B’Omer, tens of thousands of Haredim gathered to fulfill their annual tradition to visit the gravesite of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, light bonfires, and celebrate. However, by early Friday morning, severe overcrowding and lack of infrastructure led to a tragedy where 45 boys and men, from the age of 9 to 65, had their lives taken.
When a stairwell was overwhelmed by people and some slipped down the stairs, the crowd continued to stream, causing a stampede and crushing those laid out below. Medical professionals were present and called for quick backup to try and save as many people as possible. A number of Israel Defense Forces showed up to assist with medical care, including a group of female soldiers, who explained they were accosted and spit on by the male members in the crowd, despite their treating victims. In total, 45 died, 150 people were injured, including some in critical condition.
The gathering was the largest since the coronavirus began, and while authorities attempted to require Green Passports at the event, there wasn’t enough manpower to ensure the requirement was maintained. About 100,000 people showed up on Thursday evening, and another 100,000 expected to arrive on Friday morning.
There seem to be many government officials failing to take responsibility for the safety of the event, and the consequences are radiating sadly throughout the country. The event ripples through the nation and serves as a wake-up call. While many are calling for a probing investigation into how the preventable tragedy occurred, the government hasn’t yet taken action.
