Bergen County Man Dies In Mount Meron Stampede In Israel: Reports

BERGENFIELD, NJ — A Bergen County man is among the 45 dead following a stampede at a religious festival in Israel, according to sources.

Northjersey.com and The Times of Israel report that Donny Morris, of Bergenfield, is among the 35 people who have been identified after the stampede at Mount Meron.

The Jerusalem Post reports that at least 45 people were killed after a stampede occurred during a religious festival at Mount Meron. An additional 150 people were injured, with 21 receiving treatment at area hospitals. Four are in serious condition, the publication said.

According to Northjersey.com, Rabbi Yechiel Morris, Donny's uncle, said the family is "shocked and devastated."

New Jersey officials and religious leaders were quick to offer their condolences.

The Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey shared that Morris was a graduate of the Marsha Stern Talmudic Academy, and was studying in Israel during a gap year in 2021.

"It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Donny Morris, son of Mirlana and Aryeh Morris of Bergenfield, was one of the victims of the tragic event that occurred yesterday in Meron, Israel," the federation said.

"Our deepest condolences go to the Morris family. May Donny's memory only be for a blessing."

Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. responded to the news on Twitter when it was shared by the reporter Shlomo Schorr.

"My prayers are with Donny and his entire family after he perished in this unspeakable tragedy at Meron," said New Jersey Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr.

Morris was reported missing by family members earlier in the day, who posted on Facebook that they were seeking information on his latest whereabouts. He was last seen on Mount Meron with a group from Shaalvim Yeshiva, according to the former Consul General of Israel in New York Dani Dayan.

Morris' alma mater shared a post from Shira Kronenberg — Morris' aunt — that said he was "being helped by the paramedics and possibly taken in an ambulance" when he was last seen.

Gov. Phil Murphy said he was "devastated" following Thursdays events, and President Joe Biden also issued a statement, and issued condolences via telephone to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"The United States stands with the people of Israel, and with Jewish communities the world over, in mourning the terrible tragedy at Mount Meron," said Biden.

As many as about 100,000 people were gathered at the religious celebration in Israel on Thursday, despite COVID-19 concerns from officials, the New York Times reports.

The paper reports that the crush began around 1 a.m. Friday when gatherers began to leave one section of the event space. They were there to celebrate the Lag b'Ommer holiday.

This is a developing story and Patch will have more information as it becomes available.