By COLlive reporter
Photos: Koby Gideon, GPO
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the site of the Mount Meron disaster where some 45 people were killed and 150 people injured in a stampede during the massive annual Lag BaOmer celebration at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai (Rashbi).
Netanyahu was briefed at the site by Public Security Minister Amir Ohana, Israel Police Inspector-General Kobi Shabtai and other officials.
Prime Minister Netanyahu later stated:
“The Mount Meron disaster is one of the worst disasters to hit the State of Israel. We grieve for the victims. Our hearts are with the families and with the wounded to whom we wish a full recovery.
“There were heartbreaking scenes here. People were crushed to death, including children. Many of the victims have still not been identified and I would like to avoid the dissemination of rumors on social media because this breaks the families’ hearts. Let the authorities work.
“I must also point out that there was quick rescue work here by the police, the rescue and security forces, and we are profoundly grateful to them; they prevented a far worse disaster.
We will carry out a thorough, serious and in-depth investigation in order to ensure that such a disaster does not recur.
“I would like to declare Sunday as a day of national mourning. Let us all join in the grief of the families and pray for the wellbeing of the injured.”
The days between the holidays Pesach and Shavuos are considered a period of mourning according to Jewish law for the 24,000 students of the sage Rabbi Akiva who passed away during this time.
VIDEO:
ביום ראשון נקיים יום אבל לאומי בעקבות האסון בהר מירון, מהאסונות הכבדים ביותר שפקדו את מדינת ישראל. כולנו נתייחד עם היגון של המשפחות ונתפלל לשלום הפצועים. pic.twitter.com/FzUZykVzqL
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) April 30, 2021
