Dozens of ambassadors and diplomats from across the world shared their condolences in memory of the Meron disaster's 45 victims, according to a statement by the Foreign Ministry.Several foreign diplomats based in Israel met in Jerusalem with Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, who thanked them for their expressions of solidarity.The various foreign diplomats wrote their thoughts in a virtual book of condolences. The condolence book also received messages of grieving. Some of the diplomats who left messages were from countries with which Israel has no official diplomatic relations."This morning I met many foreign Ambassadors and Diplomats who came to the MFA [Ministry of Foreign Affairs] to leave messages of condolence following the disaster at Mount Meron," Ashkenazi said on his Twitter account. "I thank them for their support and solidarity which shouldn’t be taken for granted. These are difficult days."
1/2This morning I met many foreign Ambassadors and Diplomats who came to the MFA to leave messages of condolence following the disaster at Mount Meron.I thank them for their support and solidarity which shouldn’t be taken for granted. These are difficult days. pic.twitter.com/TONnxo1BMP
— גבי אשכנזי - Gabi Ashkenazi (@Gabi_Ashkenazi) May 3, 2021
Among the notable messages on the matter were the words of Pope Francis, who expressed his “closeness” to the people of Israel in the wake of the deadly Lag Ba’omer catastrophe.Ashkenazi also spoke with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and the Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha González Laya.He also received texts on his personal cell phone about the tragedy from ministers of many countries.