- As more news comes out
about the worst civilian disaster
in Israel's history,
with at least 45 people killed,
there are many likely wondering
what was this event with over 100,000 people
gathered in Meron
and why is it so significant for so many people?
Meron is a tiny town
in the north of Israel
that once a year
hundreds of thousands of Jews
go to as a pilgrimage site on Lag BaOmer.
Lag BaOmer is a holiday
that literally translates
to the 33rd day of the Omer,
which is a period counting up
from Passover to the Jewish Holiday of Shavuot.
During this period,
many Jews won't get married, shave,
or listen to live music
in honor of the 24,000 people
who died in the second century,
students of one of the most
illustrious sages - Rabbi Akiva.
Now, Lag BaOmer, the 33rd day,
takes this period
from a time of mourning
to one of celebration,
celebrating a few things.
The big one here being the "Yahrzeit",
the anniversary of the death,
of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai
who lived in the second century.
Shimon bar Yochai was
a massive figure in the Talmud
and he is traditionally credited
with authoring the Zohar,
the key text in Kabbalah.
Before he died,
he requested his students
mark the anniversary of his death
with a day of rejoicing.
And now it's a longstanding tradition
to do that by heading to Meron each year.
Longer than we can say.
Here's a picture from the 1920s of this celebration.
There's clear evidence of this pilgrimage
going back all the way to at least the 14th century,
and it undoubtedly had started
quite a bit before that.
It's interesting to note that many, if not most,
Jews outside of Israel, don't think of Lag BaOmer
as all that major of a holiday.
But in Israel, the atmosphere of Lag BaOmer
can be felt throughout the country.
You'll find bonfires, which are said to represent
the signal fires of Bar Kokhva,
a figure who led a movement
to win Israel back in the second century.
You'll find barbecues, singing,
and lots of celebrations.
In Meron, beside his tomb
they light massive bonfires - both
to represent Bar Kokhva's signal fires,
and also the immense light
that Shimon bar Yochai introduced into the world
through his mystical teachings.
Last year, because of coronavirus,
the event was much smaller.
And now, with vaccinations
far more prevalent throughout Israel,
this was the first time a large group
like this was allowed to gather.
Over 100,000 people went.
It was a lot of people in a small space.
Noam Weissman, the head of content here at Unpacked,
went to it back in 2004,
just one of the millions
who this experience has impacted.
- It was like a 48 hour rock concert.
We went there for the weekend,
and it was a profoundly religious experience
such that I've never had in my life before.
People were sharing meals with each other,
having conversations,
praying together,
singing together,
being in nature together.
Some looked like each other,
some looked very different from one another.
It really felt like one of the most important
Jewish moments of my life.
It's a memory I will always have
and I carry it with me throughout my life.
- It's hard facing that this time of joy
was turned into a period of darkness.
It's been very difficult.
Israel has rallied with support and help.
Hatzalah's communication trailer
called in units from across Israel.
Air Force helicopters and IDF unit 669
came and helped with the evacuation of the wounded.
Blood donations poured in
from throughout the country.
This showcased Israeli solidarity at its best.
When it really counted,
Israelis came together
regardless of politics or religion.
Here, Arab residents
of a neighboring town close to Meron
setting up a refresh station.
And here are some young people
in Tel Aviv donating blood.
Rabbi Joseph B. Soleveitchik,
in confronting why bad things happen
to good people once said,
"We ask neither about the cause of evil
"nor about its purpose,
"but rather about how it might be mended and elevated."
Our hearts go out to all
of the families and communities,
and friends of everyone
who died and are wounded.
If you wish to donate
or want help dealing with this trauma,
there is a link below with a collection of resources.