zio-Joe runs to the rescue of jews that stampede themselves

[yankeedoodle]

Biden offers assistance to Israel in aftermath of Lag b'Omer tragedy
https://www.jta.org/quick-reads/biden-offers-assistance-to-israel-in-aftermath-of-lag-bomer-tragedy

WASHINGTON (JTA) — President Joe Biden offered assistance to Israel in the wake of the deadly stampede in the country's north on Lag b'Omer.

Biden said in a statement released Friday by the White House that he had called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"The loss of life among worshipers practicing their faith is heartbreaking," Biden said. "I have instructed my team to offer our assistance to the government and people of Israel as they respond to the disaster and care for the wounded."

Biden also said the U.S. government was tracking information about American casualties.

"The people of the United States and Israel are bound together by our families, our faiths, and our histories, and we will stand with our friends," Biden said. "Our prayers are with those who were injured and all those who lost loved ones. May their memories be a blessing."




At least 45 Israelis reported dead in likely stampede at mass Lag b'Omer holiday celebration
https://www.jta.org/quick-reads/at-least-15-israelis-reported-dead-and-critically-wounded-in-likely-stampede-at-mass-lag-bomer-holiday-celebration

JTA) — At least 45 people were crushed to death and at least 150 wounded in a stampede during a celebration for the Jewish holiday of Lag b'Omer on Thursday night in the northern Israeli village of Meron.

The stampede appears to be the worst civil disaster in Israel's history, with a death toll at least as high as that of the devastating 2010 Mount Carmel forest fire. Many of the wounded are in critical condition and children are among the victims, according to Israeli media reports.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking in a video taken in Meron, announced a national day of mourning on Sunday. He said a "thorough, serious and in-depth investigation" would take place.

Meron is home to the grave of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, an ancient sage associated with the holiday and a pilgrimage site for haredi Orthodox Jews during the holiday. More than 100,000 people were reportedly gathered there, in the largest gathering in Israel since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overnight, videos emerged showing the disaster unfold. One video shows men tightly packed into a narrow ramp, then begin to press against each other from the top. Another shows people tearing down a barrier, apparently to relieve crowding, followed by frenzied running.

Israeli ambulances and rescue helicopters flocked to the site, in addition to a rescue unit of the Israel Defense Forces. Victims were taken to multiple hospitals in the region.

The annual gathering involves music and bonfires, which are traditionally lit on Lag b'Omer, a festive holiday popular throughout the country. The stampede reportedly took place at the gathering spot of Toldos Aharon, a Jerusalem Hasidic movement.

[abduLMaria]

Take Progress where we can get it.

[yankeedoodle]

Decades ago, a famous American movie star was Francis the Talking Mule.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_the_Talking_Mule

The new zio-media darling is Francis the Pandering Pope.   

Pope Francis mourns Meron victims
https://www.jta.org/quick-reads/pope-francis-mourns-meron-victims

(JTA) — Pope Francis expressed his "closeness" to the people of Israel in the wake of the deadly Lag b'Omer catastrophe at Mount Meron.

"With sadness, I express my closeness to the people of Israel for the incident last Friday on Mount Meron that caused the death of 45 people and numerous injuries," Francis said during his weekly address on Sunday, Reuters reported.

He said he would remember the victims and the ones who mourn them in his prayers.

Tens of thousands of people gathered at Mount Meron to mark the Lag B'Omer holiday Thursday night when a stampede on a crowded ramp led to the deadliest civilian disaster in Israel's history.