Graphic shows location of the accident and facts about the Lag BaOmer festival.
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Tientallen doodgedrukt bij Israëlisch religieus festival

By Jordi Bou

April 30, 2021 - At least 44 people were crushed to death and over 150 injured at the Lag Ba’Omer festival, which takes place annually at the foot of Mount Meron, northern Israel.

The Stampede occurred after some revellers slip on steps, causing dozens more to fall, police sources told Haaretz newspaper.

The crush happened during the celebrations of Lag BaOmer at Mount Meron, the first mass religious gathering to be held legally since Israel lifted nearly all restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic. The country has seen cases plummet since launching one of the world’s most successful vaccination campaigns late last year.

Lag BaOmer draws tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews, each year to honour Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a 2nd century sage and mystic who is believed to be buried there. Large crowds traditionally light bonfires, pray and dance as part of the celebrations.

This year, media estimated the crowd at about 100,000 people.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 30/04/2021; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Getty Images, Newscom
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