Board of Deputies mourns tragic loss of life at Mount Meron

Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl has expressed her devastation at the news that 45 people have been killed in a crush at Lag BaOmer celebrations at Mount Meron in Israel.

Marie said: “We are devastated at the news that a celebration for the festival of Lag BaOmer has led to such a tragic loss of life. Lag BaOmer traditionally celebrates the cessation of death of religious students from a terrible plague in Roman times. It is a bitter irony that the day will now become partly known as a day of mourning for the families of the religious students affected.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and the families of the deceased. May the memories of the deceased be for a blessing.”