Ultra-Orthodox blame own leadership for failing to prevent Meron stampede

“The Jewish world took a major hit. Everyone is trying to unite and grow stronger. Once-hostile sectors are removing the barriers. People in Tel Aviv are donating blood to the ultra-Orthodox. Youth movements are making pilgrimage to Bnei Brak to console the grieving families. Ultra-Orthodox and secular Jews are reconciling. We are one nation again. It is only our politicians, who continue with their ugly habits, rejecting some and boycotting others. Sorry, but given your behavior, you are not worthy of this people.”

This scathing piece was written by senior ultra-Orthodox journalist Arye Erlich on Twitter on May 3. It was four days after the devastating tragedy at the traditional Lag Ba’Omer celebration [April 29-30] at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai on Mount Meron in northern Israel.

The Lag Ba’Omer tragedy was the biggest civilian catastrophe in all of Israel’s history. It is sending powerful shock waves across the ultra-Orthodox sector, including its political leadership. Nothing like it had ever been seen before.

The incident has left the whole country reeling. On that one night, 45 people lost their lives, including children and parents, yeshiva students and followers of Hassidic courts, Israelis and visitors to the country, many of whom came specially to celebrate Lag Ba’Omer at Mount Meron. All of them were trampled and suffocated in a matter of minutes. They relied on the authorities to ensure their safety, only to become the victims of what appears to be negligence.