Israel marked a national day of mourning on May 2, honoring the 45 people who perished early on April 30 in a stampede on Mount Meron. The tragedy happened during the Lag Ba'Omer religious festivities, in the country’s deadliest-ever civilian disaster. Among the dead were over a dozen children and teenagers. Victims include Israelis and also nationals from the United States, Canada and Argentina.

More than 100,000 people had attended the annual Lag Ba'Omer gathering, which traditionally includes visits to the graveside of sage Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai on Mount Meron and massive bonfires on the mountainside. Police is currently investigating the circumstances of the tragedy.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had declared a day of mourning during a visit to the scene on April 30, after the victims and the wounded were evacuated. On May 2, he visited the injured at the Rambam Hospital in Haifa.

In a sign of mourning, flags were lowered to half-staff at the Knesset, at President Reuven Rivlin’s official residence and at Israeli embassies across the globe. Special memorial ceremonies were conducted at the Knesset and army bases. Concerts and sports events were postponed.