The Rabbinical Alliance of America — Igud HaRabbonim, representing over 950 American rabbis — joins Klal Yisrael in Mourning the loss of 40 people and in praying for the 100 injured at the Lag Ba’omer accident on Mount Meron.
Words cannot express the pain and anguish collectively being experienced today by Klal Yisrael across the world. As rabbis, we grapple with the questions “why?” and “how can this happen?” We do not have the answers to these complex, painful questions and cannot begin to explain how such a tragedy befell the Jewish nation on the special day of the Hilula of Rebbe Shimon Bar Yachi.
As Jews, we have a long and proud history full of too many tragedies. Our response is always to examine our actions and engage in reflection. We accept the will of the Almighty and endeavor to become better people in response to tragedy. What started as a festive day, sadly ended in tears and mourning. Our grief strengthens our resolve to perform kind deeds and study Torah.
The Rabbinical Alliance of America calls upon all members of the Jewish faith to engage in acts of kindness and charity in memory of the fallen, in addition to Toradh study in their memory. Let us seize the moment and become more caring to our family, friends, neighbors and community. Let us show, in act and in speech, the importance of every individual. All people should know that we care about them, love them and consider them special and holy. Let us dedicate this positive change as a memorial to the victims who perished in the Merion accident and as a merit to those who need a recovery. We pray that the Almighty forgive the Jewish nation and that such tragedies should be no more.