3 Hudson Valley Men Among The Dead In Israel Stampede

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Two men from Monsey and a Kiryas Joel resident died in Israel in a massive crowd of holiday worshippers at Mount Meron, according to news reports.

The Associated Press reported mayhem broke out early Friday at a Jewish religious festival attended by tens of thousands of people in northern Israel, killing nearly 40 people and leaving some 150 hospitalized, medical officials said.

The stampede, one of the deadliest civilian disasters in Israeli history, occurred during the celebrations of Lag BaOmer at Mount Meron. Tens of thousands of people, mostly ultra-Orthodox Jews, gather each year to honor Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a 2nd century sage and mystic who is buried there. Large crowds traditionally light bonfires, pray and dance as part of the celebrations.

Shragi Gestetner, 33, formerly of Airmont, and Yosef Amram Tauber, 18, of Monsey, were killed, and from Kiryas Joel, 26-year-old Eliezer Josef died, The Journal News reported. Gestetner was a father of five and Josef a father of four, while Tauber was studying in Israel, TJN reported.

The crowd was estimated at about 100,000 people, the AP reported. Eli Beer, director of the Hatzalah rescue service, said the site was equipped to handle perhaps a quarter of the number who were there.

It was the first huge religious gathering to be held legally since Israel lifted nearly all restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic. The country has seen cases plummet since launching one of the world's most successful vaccination campaigns late last year. Health authorities had nevertheless warned against holding such a large gathering, according to the Associated Press.

Kiryas Joel resident Abe Glanz told The Journal News that hundreds of local residents usually attend the festival but this year only about 50 had gone due to pandemic restrictions on travel.

"I am heartbroken by the tragedy that occurred overnight on Mount Meron in Israel," New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. "The loss of life as thousands celebrated a joyous holiday is devastating. New York sends its thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims and to the people of Israel and the Jewish community worldwide who are reeling from this horrific incident."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.