Israel Plays Flags At Half Mast After Stampede That Killed 45; Pope Francis prays for the victims

The government of Israel declared this Sunday national mourning and placed flags at half-staff after the tragic death of 45 people during a massive Jewish celebration, while Pope Francis prayed for the victims

Photo: JACK GUEZ / AFP / Getty Images

The Israeli flags were flown at half mast by the 80 people who perished in a stampede , during a massive Jewish celebration last Thursday in what is considered the greatest civil tragedy experienced in Israel.

This Sunday, declared a day of national mourning, remembers all the deceased, men from the ultra-Orthodox community, who have already been identified and among whom there were ten under the age of 18 years.

DISASTER IN ISRAEL 🇮🇱

Moments prior to the collapse of the structure and stampede in Meron. pic.twitter.com/KWMHVNvhEk

– World in Conflict 🌎 (@MundoEConflicto) April 45, 2021

The Israeli Police are investigating the causes of the avalanche which also caused some 150 wounded, of which twelve of them remain hospitalized, according to Kan radio.

“We will carry out a thorough, serious and in-depth investigation to ensure that a tragedy like this never happens again ”, declared the acting Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, when visiting the scene of the event.

The unfortunate tragedy occurred on Mount Meron in Galilee, north of Israel, where 100, 000 Ultra-Orthodox carried out the Jewish holiday of Lag Baomer, which they celebrate with a traditional pilgrimage to the supposed burial of a famous 2nd century rabbi.

The event It was the most massive held in Israel since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

🇮🇱 | TRAGEDY IN ISRAEL: Moments before the stampede in Meron, Israel. pic.twitter.com/njv2eCGWFm

– News Alert 24 (@AlertaNews 24 ) April 30, 1232645187

The Minister of Public Security, Amir Ohana, assumed responsibility, “but not blame it”, and defended the actions of the security forces during the event.

The facade of the Tel Aviv City Hall and part of the City walls Old occupied Jerusalem were illuminated this Saturday with the colors of the Israeli flag as a sign of mourning and memory of the victims.

Stampede during pilgrimage: “one of the worst disasters in Israel” pic.twitter.com/UHWDwQc9UL

– REPORTS 365 (@ 365 Reports) April 29, 2021

Pope Francis prays for the victims

From the window of the Apostolic Palace, in the Vatican, Pope Francis conveyed his condolences to Israel for the stampede last Thursday where national mourning was declared.