“The Jewish world took a major hit. Everyone is trying to unite and grow stronger. Once-hostile sectors are removing the barriers. People in Tel Aviv are donating blood to the ultra-Orthodox. Youth movements are making pilgrimage to Bnei Brak to console the grieving families. Ultra-Orthodox and secular Jews are reconciling. We are one nation again. It is only our politicians, who continue with their ugly habits, rejecting some and boycotting others. Sorry, but given your behavior, you are not worthy of this people.”
This scathing piece was written by senior ultra-Orthodox journalist Arye Erlich on Twitter on May 3. It was four days after the devastating tragedy at the traditional Lag Ba’Omer celebration [April 29-30] at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai on Mount Meron in northern Israel.