World leaders and diplomats from across the globe expressed their condolences to Israel on Friday in the wake of the Mount Meron tragedy that left 45 dead and 150 wounded at the traditional Lag B'Omer festival in the country's north.
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The Prime Minister's Office confirmed that US President Joe Biden called PM Benjamin Netanyahu to offer condolences on the disaster.
"I have now spoken to President Biden, he called me to express his condolences for the tragedy that has taken place here," Netanyahu told reporters at the Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem where he stopped to donate blood for the injured.
The flag at @IsraelinUSA has been lowered to half-mast today, mourning those who tragically lost their lives last night on Mt. #Meron. pic.twitter.com/MFFR6eIrKg
— Embassy of Israel (@IsraelinUSA) April 30, 2021
A White House statement cited Biden as saying, "The United States stands with the people of Israel, and with Jewish communities the world over, in mourning the terrible tragedy at Mount Meron.
"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," Biden said.
"The people of the United States and Israel are bound together by our families, our faiths, and our histories, and we will stand with our friends. Our prayers are with those who were injured and all those who lost loved ones. May their memories be a blessing."
I spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister @Gabi_Ashkenazi this morning to convey my deepest condolences for the lives lost in the tragedy at Mt. Meron. The bond between the United States and Israel is ironclad and we stand ready to assist.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) April 30, 2021
According to the Prime Minister's Office, other world leaders have also reached out with condolences, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as leader for Europe and the Arab world including Bahrain, the United Emirates.
Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi spoke with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday.
Blinken tweeted, "I spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi this morning to convey my deepest condolences for the lives lost in the tragedy at Mt. Meron. The bond between the United States and Israel is ironclad and we stand ready to assist."
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said news of the stampede were "devastating. Our thoughts are with the victim's families and loved ones," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas tweeted.
Foreign Minister @HeikoMaas: The news reaching us this morning of the tragedy at the Lag B'Omer holiday on Mt. Meron in #Israel are devastating. Our thoughts are with the victims' families and loved ones.
— GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) April 30, 2021
German Ambassador to Israel Susanne Wasum-Rainer tweeted, "Waking up to the shocking news of the tragedy of Lag B'Omer festivities. ... I am deeply saddened by the unspeakable tragedy that occurred tonight. My thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the families who have lost a loved one in Lag B'Omer celebration."
British Ambassador to Israel Neil Wigan said he was "deeply saddened by the terrible tragedy at Mount Meron last night. My thoughts are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives. May their memories be blessed."
Britain's Queen Elizabeth sent a message of condolence to President Reuven Rivlin, as well.
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
India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, whose nation is in the midst of a devastating coronavirus crisis, also took to the social media platform to express his condolences.
"Deeply saddened at the tragedy in Israel at Mount Meron during the celebrations of Lag B'Omer. Extend my condolences and wish the injured a speedy recovery," he posted.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called reports of the event "terrifying news" adding, "My heart goes out to the families of the victims. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured. Ukraine stands by Israel at this dark hour."
Terrifying news from Mount Meron, Israel. Deeply saddened by the loss of life caused by a tragic crush at a religious gathering. My heart goes out to the families of the victims. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured. Ukraine stands by Israel at this dark hour @Gabi_Ashkenazi
— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) April 30, 2021
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, also expressed his condolences.
"Our hearts go out to the people of Israel tonight following the terrible tragedy at Mount Meron. We offer our condolences to the families and friends who lost loved ones in this disaster, and wish a full and swift recovery to those injured," he tweeted.
Our hearts go out to the people of Israel tonight following the terrible tragedy at Mount Meron. We offer our condolences to the families and friends who lost loved ones in this disaster, and wish a full and swift recovery to those injured.
— Jake Sullivan (@JakeSullivan46) April 30, 2021
"The European Union extends its sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the victims and to the people of Israel. We wish a speedy recovery to those injured," EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell wrote.
"Deeply saddened by the terrible news of injuries and deaths at Lag B'Omer celebration on Mount Meron. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes of a speedy recovery to all those that were injured," EU Ambassador to Israel Emanuele Giaufret tweeted.
Deeply saddened by the terrible news of injuries and deaths at Lag Ba'omer celebration on Mount Meron. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes of speedy recovery to all those that were injured.
— Emanuele Giaufret (@EGiaufretEU) April 30, 2021
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, president of the Bishops' Conference, reached out to UK Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis to extend the British Catholic Community's deepest sympathies over the Mount Meron tragedy.
A statement on the Bishops' Conference's website cited Nichols as saying, "I was deeply saddened by the news of the tragedy that has occurred at Mount Meron. I would like to assure you of the prayers and condolences of the Catholic Community in England and Wales. We pray for the eternal repose of all who have died. We extend our deepest sympathy to those who mourn and to all who have been affected in any way by this terrible tragedy."
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas sent a letter of condolences to President Rivlin on Friday, saying, "We are praying to the Lord for mercy to victims and speedy recovery to those who suffered injuries, and for the families of victims."
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