The Joy and the Fire of Meron Ends in Catastrophic Tragedy

It is with throbbing hearts, and shaking hands, that Boropark24.com shares whatever news is emerging through the haze from Meron at this terrible time. 

Meron. The courtyard of Rabi Shimon. The holy place where we all turn to for yeshuos, and where they come for 24 hours of uplifted Simcha—being transformed by the light of the holy Tanna Rabi Shimon. In our worst nightmare, we could not have fathomed such an event… 

It occurred approximately 1:30 a.m., at the height of the joy of Lag Ba’Omer, at the area where the Toldos Aaron chassidim have their hadlakah. A ramp leading away from the hadlakah was slippery, and some pushing began on the ramp. A stampede ensued, and the ramp eventually collapsed. 

It is difficult to write the words… but it seems the number of deceased is in the tens, R”l, with dozens more injured and in need of yeshuos. 

The Toldos Aaron Hadlakah, which had already been lit, was immediately extinguished—and the police began evacuating the mountain. Incoming traffic was immediately cut off, and all busses were directed outward. Cellphone service immediately ceased, and families were urged not to panic when not hearing from loved ones. 

One American Bachur reported: I had been really thirsty for water, and had left the area, with a friend, on the ramp, moments before this terrible tragedy. I have not yet heard from my friend… I hope he is okay. 

Klal Yisroel around the world is utterly stunned—unable to make sense of the events unfolding before our eyes. 

It is certainly a time for tefillah, and a time for deep reckoning for each and every one of us; examining ourselves internally for ways we can improve. 

K’dai hu Rabi Shimon lismoch alav b’sh’as hadchak, Rabi Shimon can be relied upon in dire times. It is difficult to think of a more dire event than for such a tragedy to occur mere feet from the kever of Rabi Shimon. 

We can only hope that this will be the last tragedy, as we exit this bitter galus. 

Please continue davening for so many in need of a yeshuah, and for the shattered soul of our nation