While I love reaching out to you with good news, tragically, Israel experienced an unprecedented disaster last night that, as dear friends of the Jewish People, I wanted you to know about.
Today is “Lag Ba’Omer” on the Hebrew calendar that separates Passover and Shavuot (Pentecost). Lag Ba’Omer marks a festive day that is customarily celebrated on Mount Meron in northern Israel. Tens of thousands of Israelis were there last night dancing and singing in religious fervor when chaos suddenly broke out leading to a horrific bloodbath.
Investigations are ongoing and the details are not yet clear, however, overcrowded bleachers collapsed and many people became suddenly trapped. In just moments of chaos, 44 Jews died and hundreds were injured. For the most part, the Orthodox men who were killed have very large families and the staggering number of new orphans is not even known yet. What is known, is that these families will desperately need our help!
Please pray for God’s compassion on the injured and His comfort for the grieving families at this difficult time.
In the past, when disaster has struck the Jewish State, friends of Israel365 like yourself have given generously. It is always so comforting when I present love offerings to suffering Israeli families from Jewish and Christian friends around the world who want nothing more than to demonstrate love and solidarity with the People of Israel.
The next few days will be extremely heartbreaking as the full extent of this tragedy becomes known, and we will have to comfort each other, and those who are suffering. Only God can provide true comfort, but it is up to each of us to do our best and help in any way we can.
Praying for peace and comfort in Jerusalem,
Rabbi Tuly Weisz