International outpouring of support (even from Israel’s enemies) following Mt Meron stampede
Following the Lag B’Omer tragedy at Mt Meron on Thursday, condolences were sent to Israel from across the globe by both allies…and even foes.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas wrote a letter to President Rivlin Rivlin expressing sadness “for the tragedy that claimed the lives of dozens of victims,” adding, “we are praying for the victims and hope for the recovery of those injured.”
Jordan’s King Abdullah II called Rivlin and offered condolences, Rivlin’s office said.
The Bahraini Foreign Minister sent a letter to his Israeli counterpart to extend its remorse over the “terrible tragedy at Mount Meron, which claimed the lives of 45 people.”
🇧🇭🇮🇱
وزير الخارجية البحريني @bahdiplomatic
عبد اللطيف بن راشد الزياني أبرق رسالة تعزية إلى نظيره وزير الخارجية @Gabi_Ashkenazi
جابي أشكينازي بوفاة ضحايا المأساة التي وقعت الليلة الماضية في قرية ميرون خلال الاحتفالات السنوية بعيد الشعلة #لاغ_باعومير لدى الشعب اليهودي.
🇮🇱🇧🇭 pic.twitter.com/dQoQHWUo9K— שמעון ארן شمعون آران (@simonarann) April 30, 2021
The United Arab Emirates also expressed its condolences in a tweet posted in Hebrew and English on Twitter.
Our hearts go out to the people of Israel who lost their loved ones in the tragedy during #LagBOmer celebrations in Mt. #Meron. HE @AmbAlKhaja, @UAEinIsrael team and all the people of the UAE offer condolences to the families, and wish a full and swift recovery to those injured.
— UAE Embassy in Israel (@UAEinIsrael) April 30, 2021
Leaders from around the world also responded. President Biden called PM Netanyahu to offer condolences.
“The United States stands with the people of Israel, and with Jewish communities the world over, in mourning the terrible tragedy at Mount Meron,” Biden said. “The loss of life among worshipers practicing their faith is heartbreaking. 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.”
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth released a statement on social media, saying, “I was deeply saddened by news of the disaster at the Lag B’Omer festival in Meron. Israel.”
She added, “My thoughts are with all those who have been injured, and the friends and families of those who lost their lives. They have my deepest sympathies.”
The Queen has sent a message of condolence to the President of Israel, following the disaster at the Lag B’Omer festival in Meron, Israel. pic.twitter.com/Ayg7tMttRB
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 30, 2021
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