Two days after the mass panic that left 45 dead at a pilgrimage site in northern Israel, the country held a national day of mourning today. Flags on public buildings, military bases and Israeli diplomatic missions around the world were set at half mast today, as reported by the Israeli radio. Planned sporting events have been canceled.
A special session is scheduled for tomorrow in Parliament in memory of the victims. MEPs should have the opportunity to light memorial candles for the victims.
During a religious festival with around 100,000 participants on Mount Meron on the occasion of the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer, there was a mass panic on Thursday evening. According to official information, 45 strictly religious men and boys died in the crush. According to the rescue workers, around 150 people were injured, some of them seriously.
„Worst civil disaster“
After the incident, which was classified as „the worst civil catastrophe in Israeli history“, there were condolences from all over the world, including from Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP).
In Israel, meanwhile, calls for resignation to the responsible ministers have been raised. Police Minister Amir Ohana of the right-wing Likud Party wrote on his Facebook page that he would appear in front of the cameras after all of the dead have been identified and buried. He is ready for any investigation. „I am responsible – but responsibility does not mean guilt.“
According to initial findings, the mass panic began when people slipped on a sloping ramp with a metal floor and corrugated iron partitions on both sides. The crowded celebrants then fell on top of each other. Eyewitnesses accused the police of letting people into the cordoned-off area, even though it was already extremely full. After the panic began, the police did not open exits on the other side quickly enough, according to the criticism.
