URJ Statements on the Tragedy at Mount Meron in Israel

Leaders of the Reform Movement mourn the tragedy that took place at Mount Meron in Israel during this week's Lag BaOmer celebrations and issued these statements:

Rabbi Josh Weinberg, Vice President of the URJ for Israel and Reform Zionism & Executive Director of ARZA:

עַל־אֵלֶּה אֲנִי בוֹכִיָּה עֵינִי עֵינִי יֹרְדָה מַּיִם כִּי־רָחַק מִמֶּנִּי מְנַחֵם מֵשִׁיב נַפְשִׁי הָיוּ בָנַי שׁוֹמֵמִים כִּי גָבַר אוֹיֵב׃
(איכה א:טז)

“For these things do I weep, My eyes flow with tears: Far from me is any comforter Who might revive my spirit; My children are forlorn, For the foe has prevailed.”
(Lamentations 1:16)

Our hearts are heavy after the tragic loss of 45 souls as we begin to understand the terrible disaster that occurred during the LaG BaOmer celebrations on Mt. Meron in Northern Israel. Our deep condolences go out to all the families whose lives are torn apart now, including children who are orphaned, and parents who lost children. This tragedy is such a heavy loss for all of the people of Israel and we express our sorrow over this terrible and senseless loss of life. There are many questions that will have to be addressed around the circumstances of this tragedy but as Shabbat comes in and the victims are laid to rest, we bow our heads in pain and grief. 

הַמָּקוֹם יְנַחֵם אתם בְּתוֹךְ שְׁאָר אֲבֵלֵי צִיּוֹן וִירוּשָׁלַיִם

May the Omnipresent comfort them among the rest of the mourners
of Zion and Jerusalem

Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism:

Our hearts are heavy after the tragic loss of 45 souls. Today is a national day of mourning in Israel and throughout the Jewish world for those who perished in the terrible disaster that occurred during the Lag BaOmer celebrations on Mt. Meron in Northern Israel. Our deep condolences go out to all the families whose lives are torn apart now, including children who are orphaned, and parents who lost children.