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Families of the victims of the Mount Meron disaster on Tuesday hailed the resignation of a senior police official who was among those in charge of the event over a year ago when a chaotic stampede left dozens of people dead.
At least 45 people were killed on April 30, 2021, when a crowd of worshippers at Lag B'Omer holiday festivities slipped down a staircase and on top of other pilgrims at the site, creating a "human avalanche" that crushed members of the crowd, thus becoming the largest civilian disaster in Israeli history.
Major General Shimon Levi, commander of the police's Northern District, announced his resignation amid the ongoing government inquiry into the tragedy.
Levi initially said he “bears full responsibility” for the disaster, but in his testimony before the commission claimed the stampede could have been prevented. "There has been long years of neglect and the responsibility over different aspects of the festivities have never been clarified," he testified.
In his letter of resignation, Levi said he was not hiding behind others, responding to alleged attempts by Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai to lay blame for the disaster solely on his shoulders.
“Better late than never,” said Yishai Matlon, brother to Rabbi Shimon Matlon, who died at Meron. “I’m glad he did it, so no more disasters occur. I have nothing personal against him," he said.
"Everyone who had a part in what happened needs to step down. It’s the right thing to do," he said.
Mendi Zadik, son of Ariel Zadik who also died at Meron, hailed Levi’s decision, but said his resignation does little to console the families.
“It’s about time, I hope the rest of those responsible will do as he did and step down, although this should have happened right after the event. There are others who still hold on to their public positions, which I expect to step down and take full responsibility, rather to try and divert it to others.
“I hoped and prayed this year would not end in a similar way with the same people managing the event. This is the greatest national disaster in Israel’s history, " he said, adding that everyone who shares responsibility must not be allowed to remain in their jobs.
Shai Zarfati, son of victim Moshe Zarfati, said then-Public Security minister Amir Ohana should have also resigned. "Levi’s resignation proves that the police and chain of command were negligent.”
Israel Diskind, who acts as spokesperson for the families of the victims, said the resignation "should have happened right after the event where 45 people, including my brother, lost their lives. Taking responsibility is an obligation, not a choice,” he said.
“I encourage the police commissioner to follow suit and resign today,” he said. “Levi’s resignation is a wake-up call to all involved: take responsibility. All of those in the government and other political players who caused the deaths of 45 people: save face now, before an official investigation is called, and resign.
"The whole system needs to be changed," another family member said. "Israel needs a functioning police force.”