Jerusalem : At least 40 people lost their lives and more than 100 people were injured when a stampede broke out on Friday morning during the largest Jewish religious event in northern Israel. A large number of people had gathered at the annual religious event Lag B Omar at Mount Meroon. During this time, bonfires are lit, prayers are performed and dances are performed throughout the night.
The tomb of second-century saint Rabbi Simeon Bar Yochai is located in the same city and is considered one of the largest Jewish shrines. After a large scale successful vaccination drive in Israel, it was recently compulsorily exempted from wearing masks. There has been a decline in cases of infection in Israel after the vaccination drive. As a result, "normal life with certain restrictions" returned to normal and thousands of people, including several youth, especially school children, gathered at the venue on Thursday. Thousands of orthodox Jews also visited the tomb of Rabbi Simeon bar Yochai for the event.
An official of Israel's National Emergency Service Megan David Adam (MDA) confirmed at least 38 people killed in the incident and feared an increase in the death toll. "Our workers are treating thousands of people, many of whom are in critical condition. All the injured have been evacuated and admitted to the hospital. About 150 people were injured in the incident.
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