As many populations around the world, Israelis too have the few things that stand out from the crowd. Loud, cut lines and rude and let me tell you- all of these might be true, yet there is one thing that represents all Israelis- in big celebrations or grief, we all become one- there are no religious or secular Jews, nor Jews and Arabs. We unite together, stand for each other and support one another. When an Israeli gets recognized globally, it is everybody’s success.
Lag Ba’Omer, a Holiday celebrated mostly celebrated by kids, having a bonfire with friends and classmates. One big tradition on this holiday is to gather on mount Meron where Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and Rabbi Eleazar are buried. Just like every year, thousands of people gathered on mount Meron, to celebrate the holiday, yet this time there was no happy ending.
Thousands of people, had very little space to move. People suffocated and had no escape as there was only one enterence and one exist- that was blocked by the police. This tragic event ended with 45 people trampled to death and over 150 people injured.
This event shocked the entire country- it didn’t matter whether you were secular, Hassidic Christian or Muslim. We are one. Thousands of Israelis gathered together to donate blood for the injured in the hospitals and other donated food and other essentials for the families who lost their loved ones. Everyone has done the best the could to stand united, defend their brothers and sisters. There was no left wing or right wing- just a big family supporting its hurt brothers and sisters. This is what being an Israeli means to me.
My blessings are with the injured and their families. If anyone sees this and need/ know of anyone who needs assistance, please contact me via comments or social media!
Sandra Chen 
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