World leaders, Jewish orgs send Israel condolences amid Mt. Meron tragedy

Jewish leaders and community organizations addressed the tragedy on social media.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Updated: MAY 1, 2021 18:43
Magen David Adom ambulances at Mt. Meron after dozens killed, injured in stampede on Lag Ba'omer, April 30, 2021 (photo credit: MAGEN DAVID ADOM)
Magen David Adom ambulances at Mt. Meron after dozens killed, injured in stampede on Lag Ba'omer, April 30, 2021
(photo credit: MAGEN DAVID ADOM)
Leaders and large-scale Jewish organization around the world offered their condolences and prayers to Israel following the stampede at the Mt. Meron Lag Ba'Omer celebration that has so far killed 45 and injured at least 150 Thursday night.
US President Joe Biden called Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu to offer condolences on the tragedy. 
Biden said after the call, "the United States stands with the people of Israel, and with Jewish communities the world over, in mourning the terrible tragedy at Mount Meron. 
 
"The loss of life among worshipers practicing their faith is heartbreaking. I have instructed my team to offer our assistance to the government and people of Israel as they respond to the disaster and care for the wounded," Biden said.
"Our hearts go out to the people of Israel tonight following the terrible tragedy at Mount Meron," said Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor. "We offer our condolences to the families and friends who lost loved ones in this disaster, and wish a full and swift recovery to those injured."

Britain's Queen Elizabeth said that she "Was deeply saddned by news of the disaster at the Lag b'Omer festival in Meron, Israel." She added that her "Thoughts are with all those who have been unjured, and the friends and family who lost their lives. They have my deepest sympathies."

Emanuele Giaufret, EU Ambassador to Israel, said that he was "deeply saddened by the terrible news of injuries and deaths at the Lag Ba'omer celebration on Mount Meron. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes of speedy recovery to all those that were injured."

The European Union also extended its "deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims and to the people of Israel," an EU spokesperson said in a statement.
Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas sent President Reuven Rivlin a condolence letter for the Meron deaths. According to President Reuven Rivlin's office he "expressed  sorrow 'for the tragedy that claimed the lives of dozens of victims,' adding, 'we are praying for the victims and hope for the recovery of those injured.'” 
The Australian Foreign Ministry wrote that they were "shocked and saddened by the tragic events at Mount Meron," and wished "a swift recovery" for those who were injured.
The Bahraini Foreign Minister sent a letter to his Israeli counterpart to extend it's saddeness over the "terrible tragedy at Mount Meron, which claimed the lives of 45 people." 

Similar condolences were also extended by German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
"Deeply saddened at the tragedy in Israel at Mount Meron during the celebrations of Lag Ba'omer," said Jaishankar. "Extend my condolences and wish the injured a speedy recovery."
King Abdullah of Jordan also called President Reuvin Rivlin in order to express his condolences on the behalf of the Jordanian people. The president thanked the king and noted his appreciation for the warm  embrace of the State of Israel from around the world at this difficult time. 
In similar messages of condolences, the presidents of Austria, Finland, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Kazakhstan, Poland and Serbia, as well as the prime minister of Sweden also express their sorrow.
The United Arab Emirates also expressed it condolences, writing in Hebrew and English on Twitter that "Our hearts ache and [we] share in the grief of the families of those killed in the disaster on Mount Meron during the Lag Ba'Omer celebrations. The ambassador, the embassy staff and the entire Emirati people send their condolences to the families, and wish a full recovery to the wounded."

  
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba wrote that he was "deeply saddened by a tragic crush at a religious gathering," adding that "Ukraine stands by Israel at this dark hour."

The Jewish Agency for Israel said in a statement they "mourn the tragedy that occurred last night on Mount Meron. Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and a quick and complete recovery to the wounded. Jewish communities from around the world have been reaching out to The Jewish Agency expressing their support and offering their sympathy and prayers - a true sign of global Jewish solidarity."
"We are deeply saddened by the tragedy at Mount Meron," the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with all Israelis tonight, and we mourn with the families and friends who lost their loved ones."
"We were shocked and saddened to learn about the horrible disaster that took place in Israel today, which left dozens dead and injured," said the Jewish Federations of North America. "On this day, Lag Ba'omer, we send a special prayer to those who have been affected by this tragedy." 
The World Jewish Congress said in a message that: "The heartrending scenes of dozens of people trampled to death and over 100 seriously wounded will forever be engraved in our memories." The statement added that congress hopes the tragedy is thoroughly investigated to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

"The IAC family is deeply saddened by the terrible tragedy at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai at Mount Meron," the Israeli-American Council said. "Our hearts are with the families who lost their loved ones, and we send prayers for a full recovery to all those who are injured."
"Jews around the world are deeply saddened by this horrific loss of life among worshipers," the World Jewish Congress tweeted. "We mourn with those whose loved ones perished and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured."
"Our hearts are with everyone at the Mt. Meron Lag Ba’omer celebration in Israel today," said the American Jewish Committee. "We pray for the recovery of those injured and mourn for the families who lost loved ones in this unspeakable tragedy. May their memories be a blessing."
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson also reacted to the "devastating scenes at the Lag B'Omer festival in Israel", saying that his "thoughts are with the Israeli people and those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy."

We are devastated at the news that a celebration for the festival of Lag Ba'omer has led to such a tragic loss of life. Lag Ba'omer traditionally celebrates the cessation of death of religious students from a terrible plague in Roman times. It is a bitter irony that the day will now become partly known as a day of mourning for the families affected,” Board of Deputies of British Jews president Marie van der Zyl said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and with the families of the deceased.” 

  
The US Embassay in Israel's spokesperson offered their condolences in a statement on the Mount Meron tragedy while also adding that the embassy is working with local authorities to verify reports of US citizens among those killed or injured. 

They also added that consular services and support are available for US citizens and their family members.  
Us Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi too express his sorrow Friday afternoon. Ashkenazi said during the phone call that authorities are working to help the families of the deceased with American citizenship, and ensure they can be brought to Israel as soon as possible. 
Statements continue to roll in as the scope of the tragedy broadens and emergency services attempt to treat the injured. Worshipers are still trapped at the holy site, with 300 buses waiting on standby to rescue them.
Tovah Lazarof contributed to this report.


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