Podcasts about mount meron

Lag Ba'omer is observed as the “Hilula” of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai, following the view that this marks the day of his passing. Already the Arizal (Rav Yishak Luria, 1534-1572) noted the custom to visit Rabbi Shimon's grave on Mount Meron in northern Israel on this day. The concept underlying the observance of a “Hilula” is that we draw from the Kedusha (sanctity) of the Sadik. A “Hilula” offers us the precious opportunity to receive at least some of the spiritual greatness of the giant whose memory and whose soul we seek to connect to and bond with. On Lag Ba'omer, we try to connect to Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai in order to absorb some element of his unique, outstanding qualities. It behooves us, then, to learn some of what Rabbi Shimon stands for, the particular Middot (characteristics) that he embodied, so we can gain inspiration and develop these qualities within ourselves. The Gemara in Masechet Berachot (35b) famously brings Rabbi Shimon's view that one should devote himself entirely to Torah learning, and rely on G-d to provide his needs. This is in contrast to the opinion of Rabbi Yishmael, that the proper approach is “Hanheg Bahem Middat Derech Eretz” – to live normally, to work for a living, while of course setting aside significant amounts of time for Torah study. The Gemara concludes its discussion by noting, “Many acted in accordance with Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai, and did not succeed.” Meaning, for the vast majority of people, Rabbi Shimon's approach is not appropriate; devoting oneself exclusively to Torah, without pursuing a livelihood, requires an exalted level of Bitahon – trust in Hashem – that most people never achieve. Rabbi Shimon's view is not rejected, but rather applicable only to the spiritual elite, to those select individuals with wholehearted, genuine faith in Hashem's ability to provide. It was this quality of Rabbi Shimon that enabled him to live with his son for thirteen years in a cave, without any food or water. As the Gemara famously tells (Shabbat 33b), Rabbi Shimon fled from the Roman authorities with his son, and they hid inside a cave, where they were miraculously sustained by a carob tree and brook of water. This was Rabbi Shimon's outstanding quality – absolute faith in Hashem's ability to provide, the keen awareness that our sustenance depends solely on G-d, and not on our hard work and efforts. Accordingly, Lag Ba'omer is an occasion for us to draw from Rabbi Shimon's lofty levels of Bitahon. Of course, as mentioned, Rabbi Shimon's practical prescription for life is not suitable for the vast majority of us. Nevertheless, we can - and must - strive to heighten our trust in Hashem, our firm belief that Hashem provides us with our needs, irrespective of the work we invest. Although we are to meet our obligation of Hishtadlut (effort) by working for a living, we must recognize that the outcome depends solely on G-d, and that He is always caring for us. Fascinatingly enough, this aspect of Lag Ba'omer actually predates Rabbi Shimon, by many generations. The Hatam Sofer (Rav Moshe Sofer of Pressburg, 1762-1839) writes that it was on Lag Ba'omer when the manna fell for the very first time. Beneh Yisrael left Egypt on the 15 th of Nissan, the first day of Pesach, bringing with them a month's worth of food provisions. These provisions were depleted in the middle of the next month, Iyar, and several days later, on the 18 th of Iyar – Lag Ba'omer – G-d responded to the people's cries by providing them with manna. Quite appropriately, then, Lag Ba'omer is also the day when we remember, honor, and connect with the figure of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai, the bastion of Bitahon, who lived with a keen awareness of how all our food is “manna,” that it is Hashem who gives us everything we need. So much of the anxiety and stress that people live with can be alleviated through Bitahon, by firmly believing in Hashem's infinite capabilities to provide us, and in His boundless love for us. People worry and fret over their finances because they wrongly assume that they know what needs to happen for their Parnasa (livelihood) to arrive. They think that their Parnasa depends on this job, on that client, that customer, that deal, or that promotion. Once we realize that everything we have is manna, coming to us directly from Hashem, we would no longer worry about any of this. Certainly, we must live responsibly and do our Hishtadlut as required. But once we do, we can put all our worries and concerns to rest, because Hashem is caring for us, often in ways that we never imagined and could never have imagined. His abilities are unlimited, so we never have any reason to worry. Let us take advantage of Lag Ba'omer, this special day of Bitahon, to draw from the great faith of Rabbi Shimon, so we can live with the peace of mind and serenity that we desire.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is day 156 of the war with Hamas. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Police and the Shin Bet say 13 Arab Israelis from northern Israel are being charged with planning terror attacks on behalf of Hamas. Who were arrested as far as we know? The Hamas operative who killed Maj. (res.) Amishar Ben David during a battle in southern Gaza on Friday was killed in an airstrike, the IDF says. How common is such a very precisely targeted strike? Some 37 rockets were fired in two volleys from Lebanon at the Mount Meron area this morning, and overnight fighter jets struck several Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon overnight, including infrastructure in Ayta ash-Shab, an anti-tank missile post in Maroun al-Ras, and a site where Hezbollah operatives were spotted in Khirbet Selm. How are these connected? Police arrested 20 East Jerusalem residents on suspicion of incitement and support for terrorism over the past two weeks, according to a statement released this morning as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins. What else has been happening ahead of Ramadan, especially in the West Bank? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 10, 2024 Hezbollah fires barrage at north after deadly IDF strike in Lebanon IDF officer killed in Gaza fighting, raising toll of slain troops to 248 Seven soldiers wounded by IED blast in West Bank town; troops launch manhunt Hezbollah fires rocket volleys at north, hits home with anti-tank missile THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: IDF troops operate in the Gaza Strip in a photo cleared for publication on March 9, 2024. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Today is Day 153 of the war. Editor David Horovitz joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan on today's episode. We hear statements from two journalists who arguably have the ear of the White House. Horovitz discusses how representative the statements are as every move the Biden administration makes in the war in Gaza is scrutinized ahead of the US elections in November. On April 30, 2021, during the coronavirus pandemic, 45 people were killed in a crush at the Mount Meron gravesite of a second-century sage in northern Israel. After two and a half years of work, a state commission of inquiry headed by retired judge Dvora Berliner has named a number of officials responsible for the disaster in a 320-page report. We hear about the results of the inquiry as well as political blowback. In Horovitz's weekly column yesterday, he proposed that we're living in the most worrying period for Jews since WWII. How is he seeing this play out? For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog March 7, 2024 Report: Biden mulling moves to keep Israel from using US weapons in Rafah State inquiry blames Netanyahu, but does not sanction him, for deadly 2021 Meron crush Likud derides inquiry on deadly Meron crush as ‘political weapon' against Netanyahu Full text of inquiry's findings on officials' responsibility for 2021 Meron disaster We're living in the most worrying period for Jews since World War II THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Victims of the April 30, 2021, Mount Meron disaster: Top row (L-R): Chen Doron, Haim Rock, Ariel Tzadik, Yossi Kohn, Yisrael Anakvah, Yishai Mualem, Yosef Mastorov, Elkana Shiloh and Moshe Levy; 2nd row (L-R): Shlomo Zalman Leibowitz, Shmuel Zvi Klagsbald, Mordechai Fakata, Dubi Steinmetz, Abraham Daniel Ambon, Eliezer Gafner, Yosef Greenbaum, Yehuda Leib Rubin and Yaakov Elchanan Starkovsky; 3rd row (L-R): Haim Seler, Yehoshua Englard, Moshe Natan Neta Englard, Yedidia Hayut, Moshe Ben Shalom, David Krauss, Eliezer Tzvi Joseph, Yosef Yehuda Levy and Yosef Amram Tauber; 4th row (L-R): Menachem Knoblowitz, Elazar Yitzchok Koltai, Yosef David Elhadad, Shraga Gestetner, Yonatan Hebroni, Shimon Matalon, Elazar Mordechai Goldberg, Moshe Bergman and Daniel Morris; 5th row (L-R): Ariel Achdut, Moshe Mordechai Elhadad, Hanoch Slod, Yedidya Fogel, Menahem Zakbah, Simcha Diskind, Moshe Tzarfati, Nahman Kirshbaum and Eliyahu Cohen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three months ago to the day Israel suffered one of its darkest days, if not the darkest day, in its 75 year history. We've all been overwhelmed by the scenes of October 7th. Whether depicted visually or verbally, they cut deep. But in the time since, events have unfolded - and the proverbial excrement is hitting the fan. As the war drags on in Gaza, inch by inch, what seemed to be unanimous international support for Israel (for about 3.5 seconds on Oct 7th) has quickly shifted. America is attempting to force Israel's hands both in the strikes against Hamas in Gaza and in the provision of humanitarian aid. And then, just last week Israel allegedly took out one of the heads of Hamas - Saleh Al-Arouri in Lebanon, in a surgical strike. The extreme precision of the assassination was assumed to be a wink and nod at Hezbollah signaling, “feel free to stay out of this one”. Hezbollah apparently wasn't keen on letting it be and on Saturday they upped their usual rocket barrage towards Israel, and supposedly managed to hit an extremely strategic facility on Mount Meron in Northern Israel. The water is beginning to bubble. The only question is what happens when the pot's boiled? To help us dissect these complex issues, we're joined today by Caroline Glick. Caroline is not just any journalist; her resume speaks volumes. A former advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a veteran of the IDF, Caroline brings a unique blend of military and political insight. Her work as a senior columnist for publications like Israel Hayom and The Jerusalem Post, along with her on-the-ground reporting during Operation Iraqi Freedom, has established her as a formidable voice in Middle Eastern affairs. She also has her own, brilliant podcast titled, The Caroline Glick Show - check it out. We are thrilled to be joined by Caroline Glick on the podcast today to talk about the war, Israel-America relations and where it's all headed.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The conflict has turned up its volume on the northern border since the targeted killing of Hamas deputy Saleh al-Arouri in Lebanon. Yesterday, Wissam al-Tawil, a senior commander of a secretive Hezbollah force, was killed in an alleged Israeli strike in southern Lebanon. Who was he and what is happening on the border today? This morning, the IDF said it is further expanding ground operations in Khan Younis, fighting Hamas deep within the southern Gaza city. However, at the same time, IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari stated last night that there is a shift in the military campaign against the Hamas terror group in the Gaza Strip, from intense battles to more targeted operations. How do these two statements add up? Yesterday, Gabian was in the Bureij camp of central Gaza where the Hamas terror group manufactured its long-range rockets that have been used to attack Israeli cities in recent years. He describes the underground rocket engine production lab, a warehouse where the body tubes of the projectiles were built and a massive storage facility. For the latest updates, please look at The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Live blog January 9, 2024 Senior Hezbollah commander killed in alleged Israeli strike as border tensions mount IDF admits Mount Meron air traffic control base damaged in Hezbollah attack IDF spokesperson says war with Hamas has ‘shifted a stage' to less intense combat On Gaza civilian evacuation road, IDF uncovers largest Hamas rocket factory to date THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: A Hamas long-range rocket depot in central Gaza's Bureij, January 8, 2024. (Emanuel Fabian/Times of Israel)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Glimpse of His Glory Today, Pastor Michael is talking about the real heart of ReCreate Church.  We have something here that is unique, and we've only seen a little flash of what we can truly do! Today's sermon is about the Transfiguration and what happens when we see His glory.   Our takeaway is, “If you glimpse His glory, you'll tell His story!”. Jesus let Peter, James, and John to a mountain where he was “transfigured,” which is, in essence, showing them how He'll appear in Heaven.  Our lives are like that; we are in a world of darkness, and Jesus is the center of our being.  We want people to know Jesus. Elijah and Moses, two of the greatest prophets in history, appeared with Jesus during the Transfiguration.  Moses died, but Elijah went to heaven in a whirlwind.  And now, Jesus is talking with Moses and Elijah.  Mark doesn't tell us in his version, but Luke did explain more in his gospel about Jesus explaining his upcoming death and resurrection. But the disciples really didn't understand what they were hearing!  This was likely due to being overwhelmed and a bit of fear, to put it mildly! A cloud came and overshadowed them and told them this was His beloved Son, which pretty much eliminated all doubts about what was going on.  “Hear Him!” was God's command and set them straight that Jesus was whom they needed to listen to! Mose and Elijah were cool guys, but they weren't Jesus!   The Transfiguration is a scene of Jesus as a representation of His coming kingdom in its fullness and glory.  Those who saw the transfiguration bore witness to it to the other disciples and to countless millions down through the centuries, and it was recorded as such in the Gospels. Mark 9:2-4 (CSB Study Bible Notes) 9:2 Six days appears to refer to the time between Peter's confession and Jesus's transfiguration. It may also tie Jesus's experience to Moses's (Ex 24:15-17). On Peter, James, and John as Jesus's inner circle, see note at 1:16-20. The high mountain is often identified as Mount Tabor, but Mount Hermon or Mount Meron may be better candidates. As he was transfigured, Jesus's nature was not changed but unveiled. 9:3 Dazzling connotes extreme whiteness that is beyond natural explanation (Mt 17:2 describes them as “white as the light”). Matthew (17:2; cp. Lk 9:29) adds that Jesus's face glowed like the sun (cp. Ex 34:35). 9:4 Mark probably intended to indicate Moses as the greater OT figure by saying Elijah appeared with Moses. Verses can be found in Mark 9: 1-13. Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. 

It is customary to observe the day of Lag Ba'omer with a degree of festivity. Different reasons are given by the Poskim for the celebration on Lag Ba'omer. Most obviously, Lag Ba'omer is the day when, according to one opinion, the plague that killed Rabbi Akiba's students came to an end. Additionally, Lag Ba'omer is the day when Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai died, and just before his death he instructed his disciple, Rabbi Abba, to write the Zohar which included many profound insights that had until then been kept secret. Lag Ba'omer is thus observed as a joyous occasion, because it was then when the great wisdom of the Zohar was revealed. Additionally, after the death of Rabbi Akiba's students, he began teaching five new, outstanding students – one of whom was Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai – through whom the Torah tradition was kept alive. It was on Lag Ba'omer when he conferred upon them Semicha, and it is thus an occasion for festivity. Furthermore, it was on this day when the Manna began to fall for Beneh Yisrael in the wilderness, and Lag Ba'omer is thus a day of Parnasa (sustenance) and a time for celebration.Many have the custom to visit the gravesite of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai on Mount Meron in Northern Israel on Lag Ba'omer, and pray and celebrate at the site. Kohanim are forbidden from entering the building in which the gravesite is situated. Some have the custom (which is mentioned in Sha'ar Ha'misvot) not to visit Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai's gravesite alone, and to instead ensure to go there with at least one other person. There is also a custom observed by some that women do not visit the site while in a state of Nidda. It is customary on Lag Ba'omer to light candles in memory of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai and in memory of his son, Rabbi Elazar. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), in his work Torah Lishmah (223), writes that according to Kabbalistic teaching, one candle should not be lit for two Sadikim; a separate candle should be lit for each righteous person. Therefore, one should ensure to light one candle for Rabbi Shimon and another for Rabbi Elazar.Tahanunim are omitted from the prayer service on Lag Ba'omer. Our custom is to also omit Tahanunim during Minha on the day before Lag Ba'omer.The night after Lag Ba'omer has the same status as Mosa'eh Shabbat with regard to the recitation of Keri'at Shema Al Ha'mita (the bedtime Shema). Thus, if one recites Keri'at Shema Al Ha'mita before Hasot (midnight as defined by Halacha), then he should omit the solemn "Ana" section, as that part of the night is still associated with the festive day of Lag Ba'omer. If, however, one recites the bedtime Shema after Hasot, then he includes the "Ana" prayer.According to Sephardic custom, eulogies are given and the "Siduk Ha'din" recitation is said on Lag Ba'omer, whereas Ashkenazim follow the practice not to give eulogies or recite "Siduk Ha'din" on Lag Ba'omer.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian, Zman Yisrael editor Biranit Goren, and news editor Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. Operation Shield and Arrow was launched with an early morning surprise attack in the Gaza Strip, targeting three high level Islamic Jihad leaders. At least 13 were killed after a coordinated attack throughout the Gaza Strip around 2:30 am Israel time. Fabian debriefs on who were the attack's targets. Fabian takes us through the airstrikes, which involved 40 aircraft, including fighter jets, that carried out the main strikes within seconds of each other, at three locations in the Strip. We hear how they are similar to previous IDF strikes. As Israel awaits reprisal rockets that are expected to come after the three leaders' funerals, the IDF's Home Front Command has issued instructions for residents of areas near Gaza. Fabian updates on closures and other instructions, including for the Mount Meron site where thousands are celebrating Lag B'Omer. Also today, the IDF is continuing to conduct raids in the West Bank and stop alleged terrorist attacks. We learn what happened in Nablus this morning. Operation Shield and Arrow comes days after Gazan terrorists led by Islamic Jihad fired 104 rockets toward Israel on May 2. The right-wing fringes of the coalition were frustrated by Israel's perceived lack of response then. Many coalition critics are suggesting that last night's attack was in part to appease those elements -- or to deflect attention from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's trial, in which a key witness, Ari Harrow, is set to take the stand. Goren weighs in. The show must go on: Noa Kirel is set to represent Israel in the first Eurovision semi-final tonight. Spiro explains Kirel's chances -- especially in light of the new system of popular voting to determine who makes it to the grand final on Saturday night in Liverpool. Discussed articles include: Live updates Tuesday, May 9 Top Islamic Jihad terrorists killed as IDF bombs Gaza; south girds for rockets Gaza op gets broad political support as some trade barbs over Ben Gvir Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: A Palestinian man inspects damage to his building following Israeli airstrikes on an apartment of an Islamic Jihad commander in Gaza City, May 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel woke up to war – Operation Shield and Arrow commences after overnight bombing of Gaza terror targets; removing three senior Islamic Jihad officials and nearby women and children; US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides to leave post in summer & Lag B'Omer events go on at Mount Meron with tighter security and surveillance.  New: Patreon Link http://patreon.com/shannafuld Hasod for Mother's Day SHANNA5 to get $5 off https://bit.ly/41fusJc Social Media links, Newsletter sign-up &, Support the show $ here: https://linktr.ee/israeldailynews Music: Besaravian; Ianir Kilinsky --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/israeldailynews/support

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Senior analyst Haviv Rettig Gur and religions reporter Canaan Lidor join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today's episode. The razing of Khan Al-Ahmar has become something of a symbolic battle for many since demolition orders were first issued in 2009. Rettig Gur describes the hamlet and delves deep into the many-sided issue, following the High Court of Justice's decision to let the government decide on the timing of its demolition. Two years ago, the world watched with horror as we heard the news of the loss of 45 lives, many of them children, in a crush in a crowd at Mount Meron during Lag B'Omer celebrations. Lidor spoke with several family members who say that today, they feel even more connected to the place. Ahead of tonight's celebrations, we hear what new safety measures have been implemented since the disaster two years ago. Discussed articles include: High Court rejects petition seeking immediate razing of Khan al-Ahmar On Meron disaster anniversary, relatives of victims connect to the site ‘even more' Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: View of the illegal Bedouin village Khan al-Ahmar, just off of Road 1 in the West Bank, February 2, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IDF identification error activates Iron Dome, sets off sirens in north. Doctors call one-day strike in hospitals, clinics to protest against violence. Scaled-down Lag B'Omer celebrations on Mount Meron held without incident See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another Knesset member drops from the coalition turning Bennett's party into… the minority; Lag b'Omer celebrations on Mount Meron happen without death and destruction one year after a horrific human stampede killed 45 & the biggest bust in Israel…but of what? Social Media links, Newsletter sign-up &, Support the show $ here: https://linktr.ee/israeldailynews Music: Boker Ein Sofi; Yaara Rauff https://bit.ly/3logaU0 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/israeldailynews/support

Festival season is upon us, which means Canadian Jews are marking their calendars with the myriad dates slotted for cultural celebrations across the country. But who are these events made for, and who actually shows up? Are Jewish festivals designed only for those with the means to buy tickets, or is there a greater mandate to foster community through innovation and outreach to younger audiences? We pitch the question to Helen Zukerman, artistic director of the Toronto Jewsh Film Festival, which Avi believes is too narrow in its scope (though Ilana and David disagree); after that, the heads of KlezKanada and Ashkenaz Festival, Sebastian Schulman and Eric Stein, join to discuss their efforts in crafting Jewish festivals that are fundamentally diverse, unique and engaging. Plus, we'll hear from Shlomo Steinmetz on the yahrzeit of his son Dovi, who died at the Mount Meron tragedy in Israel last year. What we talked about Register for free for Bonjour Chai's virtual live taping on Wed. May 25 Buy tickets for the TJFF at tjff.com/tjff2022 Read The CJN's preview of this year's TJFF Learn about KlezKanada at klezkanada.org and Ashkenaz at ashkenaz.ca Learn about the Ani Maamin Initiative Credits Bonjour Chai is hosted by Avi Finegold, Ilana Zackon and David Sklar. Michael Fraiman is the producer. Andre Goulet is the technical producer. Our theme music is by Socalled. The show is a co-production from The Jewish Learning Lab and The CJN, and is distributed by The CJN Podcast Network. To learn how to support the show by subscribing to this podcast, please watch this video.

The New York Times and other corporate media outlets described the surrender of troops holed up at the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol as the end of Ukraine's “combat mission” there. 5) Western media spin on the war in Ukraine; 4) Gasoline over $4 a gallon in all 50 states for first time ever; 3) Israel prepares for Lag B'Omer celebration on Mount Meron one year after tragedy; 2) Disney's favorability rating with public drops over the last year from 77% to just 33%; 1) Medieval manuscripts reveal terrifying images of killer bunnies.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Political writer Tal Schneider and Religion and Diaspora Affairs reporter Judah Ari Gross join host Jessica Steinberg for today's podcast. Gross talks about start of Lag B'Omer festival in Israel, marking one year since Mount Meron tragedy and steps government has taken this year to streamline the event and make it safer. Schneider discusses Knesset bill regarding army education scholarships and how it may become a test for the shaky coalition. Gross also looks at official apology from World Zionist Organization following their involvement in protests against Women of the Wall at the prayer services earlier this month. Discussed articles include: Entry limits, structural fixes as Israel aims to avoid repeat of 2021 Meron disaster Police arrest group suspected of planning to sabotage Lag B'Omer events at Mt. Meron Scalpers offer fake Meron festival tickets, subverting new safety measures – report WZO says cooperation with group that violently protested Women of the Wall was error Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.  IMAGE: Police evacuate Jewish worshipers ahead of the Lag B'omer festival, at the Tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, in Meron, northern Israel on May 17, 2022 (Courtesy David Cohen/Flash90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New rules for Mount Meron pilgrimage; Earthquake hits the region & 50 Cent comes to Israel + Yom Hashoa tonight. Social Media links, Newsletter sign-up &, Support the show $ here: https://linktr.ee/israeldailynews Music: ​​Under the Missile Skies; Erika Krall https://open.spotify.com/track/3Q2KNGvY733Qz1pHdgxrtO?si=fbac4af227ce4d8e --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/israeldailynews/support

Covid update; Mount Meron probe opens & Palestinian woman sentenced to jail for collaborating with Hezbollah. Social Media links, Newsletter sign-up &, Support the show $ here: https://linktr.ee/israeldailynews Music: Keep on Going; Ronen Topper; https://www.facebook.com/RonenTopper1111/videos/1353852448111320/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/israeldailynews/support

-Prime Minister Bennett calling for renewed coronavirus restrictions; as the Indian ‘delta variant' continues to spread -Israel reportedly refusing to renegotiate a vaccine swap agreement with the Palestinian Authority after Ramallah used a lie to kill the deal -An official state investigation into the tragedy at Mount Meron approved by the cabinet in Jerusalem

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday. Today's panel comprises editor David Horovitz and senior analyst, along with host Amanda Borschel-Dan. Nothing is finalized as the clock winds down on Yesh Atid head Yair Lapid's chance to form a coalition. As the June 2 date looms, will Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new offers to Yamina head Naftali Bennett and New Hope head Gideon Sa'ar be enough to torpedo the nascent "change" government? The shloshim or month of formal mourning for the 45 victims of the disaster at Mount Meron is observed today. Why is there still no formal state inquiry -- and why are the ultra-Orthodox parties the ones who are most vehemently objecting to one? Danielle Wolfson, 43, was the first Israeli woman to summit Mount Everest last week. She used her platform to call for coexistence while reminding the world that anything is possible. Discussed articles include: Last-ditch offer: Netanyahu says Sa'ar can be PM 1st in 3-way deal with Bennett Bennett to meet with Yamina MKs to coax them into government with Lapid Forty-five people died at Meron. Why are Haredi parties blocking a probe? Danielle Wolfson becomes 1st Israeli woman to reach Mount Everest summit Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on iTunes, Spotify, PlayerFM, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. IMAGE: MKs Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett during an event inaugurating a new monument in memory of Emannuel Morano, in the Netiv Avot neighborhood in Gush Etzion, on July 23, 2017. (Gershon Elinson/Flash90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Was the Mount Meron tragedy caused by politics? In this episode, Diplomatic Correspondent Lahav Harkov and Editor-in-Chief Yaakov Katz discuss the systemic problem that led to the Meron stampede, that led to increased death during COVID-19 and more. Lahav focuses on the distrust between the ultra-Orthodox and the government and the conspiracy theories that are being shared on social media since 45 people died last week. Photo credit: David Cohen/FLASH90 as used on jpost.com

Journalist and broadcaster Jonathan Freedland on the possibility that Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Prime Minister for the last 12 years, is about to lose his post. And how last week's Mount Meron tragedy, in which 45 ultra-orthodox men and boys were killed in a stampede, sits within Israel's political turmoil.

A weekly podcast where we discuss the news in Israel with Ron Cantor, President of ShelanuTV and Israel Regional Director for GOD TV. This week's topics include: Is the Netanyahu era over? Did the US and Iran make a new deal? The pandemic in the rearview mirror for Israel? Tragedy at Mount Meron--preventable?

Thoughts on a global candle lighting ceremony to honor the 45 victims of Mount Meron. Enjoy the conversation. Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Listen on Stitcher Follow David Suissa on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett are busy crafting a coalition that defies all rules of math, on their way to topple incumbent PM Netanyahu. The disaster at Mount Meron unearths big questions regarding the Israeli establishment's dealings with the Haredi community. In Chutzpah and Mensch, Yonit and Jonathan discuss the latest UK-France standoff, and offer some TV bingeing recommendations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allison Kaplan Sommer, Ohad Zeltzer-Zubida, Sally Abed (for a bit) and Noah Efron discuss three topics of incomparable importance and end with an anecdote about something in Israel that made them smile this week. Hear the Extra-Special, Special Extra Segment on Patreon   —(Qui Est-Ce Que) J’Accuse?— Forty-five people are crushed to death by a crowd at an all-night revelry at Mount Meron. Who or what is to blame? —All in the Family— Is “family-uber-alles” the only thing that cuts across lines of religion, language, ethnicity, sexual orientation and all other things that divide one Israeli from the next? —Ethnic What?— On last week’s podcast, Sally called Israeli policy in Jaffa “ethnic cleansing.” This week she tell more about what she means, and why she thinks the label fits. —They Made You Do What?— For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion, we talk about the labyrinthine procedures one needs to follow these days traveling back and forth between Israel and the US, after Allison and Noah just ran that gauntlet. All that and the music of Stephane Legar, in honor of his new single, Na’im Meod!

In this podcast, I use the parshiot of Behar-Bechukotai to explore the boundaries of responsibility and trust. This was inspired by a week of conversation about the tragedy at Mount Meron.   Photo by Wolfgang Hasselmann on Unsplash

Intro: Hey everyone, welcome back to What a week!, I'm your host, Olivia Lee, here to deliver your weekly dose of the news. Let's get started!In Local News: https://katu.com/news/local/police-declare-riot-in-downtown-portland-on-may-dayhttps://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2021/05/may-day-demonstrators-gather-for-series-of-portland-events.htmlhttps://www.oregonlive.com/news/2021/05/portland-police-declare-riot-after-nighttime-may-day-demonstrators-break-downtown-windows.htmlThis past Saturday, demonstrators gathered for a series of May Day events in Portland, setting out on marches and distributing literature in Peninsula Park. The largest event began near the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, where about 100 people gathered for a march and car caravan demanding justice for migrant workers. Speakers at the event near OMSI rallied the crowd around themes of the exploitation of migrant workers, anti-U.S. imperialism and standing in solidarity with the working class.  After a day of mostly peaceful protests, demonstrators gathered in downtown Portland Saturday evening for a pair of quote “autonomous” May Day demonstrations that turned violent, causing police to declare a riot following reports of broken windows at multiple businesses.In-state news:https://katu.com/news/local/oregon-leads-country-in-covid-19-case-rateA number of states, once known to be COVID-19 hotspots, such as Florida and Texas, are now seeing a decline in coronavirus cases.  Oregon, a state that has kept cases relatively low throughout the duration of the pandemic, is now the leading state, having the nation's fastest growing rate of COVID-19 cases. Dr. Peter Graven with OHSU says a big reason for those numbers is primarily due to the fact that Oregonians got ahead of cases early, meaning fewer people were initially infected. Officials also believe this is due to a spike fueled by quote “human behavior,” as well as the more contagious B.1.1.7 variant, which is now the dominant strain in Oregon.https://www.oregonlive.com/dining/2021/04/what-does-oregons-new-indoor-dining-shutdown-mean-for-restaurants-and-how-long-will-it-last.htmlLast Tuesday, Oregon Governor Kate Brown announced that 15 counties, including most of the Portland metro area minus Washington County, will move to the state's “extreme risk” category for COVID-19 restrictions. New bans on indoor dining and strict capacity limits on gyms, movie theaters and other businesses were implemented last Friday. This is a significant stepback for many small businesses already struggling to survive. According to Brown, the ramping up of restrictions is necessary in order to keep health care providers from being “stretched to their limits” while dealing with the pandemic's latest spike. For the 15 affected counties, the ban effective as of last Friday marks the third indoor dining ban since COVID-19 cases first began to rise last year. For counties in the Portland metro area, both the initial shutdown and last winter's dining “pause” lasted about three months. There is no end date in line yet as to when this ban will end, but modeling by Oregon Health & Science University does indicate that covid cases could peak around May 4th, with hospitalizations starting to fall two weeks later. In National News:https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2021/04/27/cdc-guidelines-say-vaccinated-people-dont-need-wear-masks-outside/7395850002/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/danvergano/fully-vaccinated-cdc-masks-guidelines Last week, the CDC released new COVID-19 masking guidelines, allowing fully vaccinated Americans to go without masks in small gatherings and outdoors, except in crowded settings.  The new guidance is intended for people who have met the fully vaccinated benchmark which is at least two weeks after their last vaccine shot. With about 30% of Americans now fully vaccinated, the new masking guidelines had been expected for some time and mark a small milestone for the country emerging from pandemic conditions. Masks should also still be worn when gathering with unvaccinated people from more than one household, and people should still get tested if exposed to someone infected, the CDC said. Under the guidance, fully vaccinated people should also still wear masks and stay 6 feet away from people while in crowds, at larger gatherings, or when visiting with someone at high risk from COVID-19. https://nypost.com/2021/04/30/tsa-extends-mask-mandate-for-planes-public-transit-to-september/Last Friday, the TSA announced that it will be extending the  mask mandate for planes and public transportation in the U.S. through at least September 13th. All US domestic travelers are expected to abide by this mandate regardless of their vaccination status. Children under two years old are exempt as are people with certain disabilities. Everyone else is subject to fines starting at $250 and rising to $1,500 for repeat offenders. Most airlines also ban customers who violate mask rules. In International News: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/29/world/middleeast/israel-mount-meron-stampede.htmlLast Friday, a stampede at a  mountainside religious celebration in Israel that drew tens of thousands of ultra-orthodox Jews left at least 45 people dead and hundreds injured. According to some estimates, about 100,000 people were crammed together late Thursday to celebrate a holiday on Mount Meron in northern Israel, despite warnings from the authorities about the risk of Covid-19 transmission. The deadly crush began around 1 a.m. on Friday, as celebrants began to pour out of a section of a compound where festivities were being held. The death toll of 45, released later by the Health Ministry, made it one of the worst civilian disasters in Israeli history.Lastly here is the wildcard news for the week:https://www.npr.org/2021/05/02/991232213/astronauts-splash-down-in-spacex-dragon-capsule-after-6-months-in-orbithttps://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/02/science/spacex-nasa-landing.htmlFour astronauts who've spent the past six months aboard the International Space Station as part of the first operational mission of SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule are back on Earth after splashing down safely last Saturday in the Gulf of Mexico. The astronauts are the first U.S. crew to make a nighttime splashdown since 1968, during the Apollo 8 mission to orbit the moon. Less than half an hour after landing, the capsule was brought out of the water onto a recovery ship.Closing:  Well that wraps up What a Week! Stay safe and see you guys next week. 

Facing Tragedy with the Silence of Aaron This week's Jerusalem Lights podcast focuses on our hosts' struggle to understand the tragedy of Mount Meron. Though we still reel from the unbearable pain of the loss of life, Jim Long and Rabbi Chaim Richman reflect on the eternal nature of Israel's unity: the entire nation shares the pain of every bereaved family. What is the source of this unique sensitivity? Our hosts share their insights, bare their feelings, and pose their own questions as well, especially in the light of this week's closure of the Book of Leviticus with the reading of its final two Torah portions, as they attempt to frame this terrible tragedy within the context of Torah and Israel's unique mission of responsibility and moral stewardship. ___ Rabbi Chaim Richman Jerusalem Lights | Torah for Everyone Please support the work of Jerusalem Lights, a USA recognized 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit organization to enable these productions to continue and grow: Paypal: infojerusalemlights@gmail.com or: https://paypal.me/JerusalemLights?loc...​ In the USA: Jerusalem Lights Inc. Post Office Box 16886 Lubbock Texas 79490. In Israel: Tel. 972 54 7000395 Mail: PO Box 23808, Jerusalem Israel Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.rabbirichman.com​ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUpV...​ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RabbiChaimRi...

The disaster at Mount Meron on Lag Baomer was completely avoidable. Howie argues that the people responsible for the accident be held accountable for the 45 deaths. Political Hitman 05MAY2021 - PODCAST

Researchers at the Salk Institute published new research Friday that confirms COVID-19 is a vascular disease, attacking the circulatory system, and that the spike protein on the virus plays a a key role in causing illness. 5) New Salk Institute discovery leads to questions about COVID vaccines; 4) Political fight over Critical Race Theory in schools; 3) States debate allowing students to compete in athletics according to self-declared gender identity; 2) Prominent Jerusalem rabbi critical of Lag B’omer celebrations at Mount Meron; 1) Study finds 20% of EV owners in California switch back to gas.

After interviewing eye witnesses in previous shows who were at the Lag B'Omer holiday celebrations at Mount Meron, this time, Tamar speaks with someone who shares with us what the general atmosphere was like when families had to identify the bodies of their loved ones. Tamar speaks with Rabbi Shlomo Katz from www.theShlomoKatzProject.com. He was recently interviewed on CNN about the tragic event, but on this show, he shares with Tamar the details of the aftermath of the disaster. How he had to drive a friend to the morgue where families had to identify bodies, the unfathomable pain on their faces, the crying ...and yet, in spite of all the immense pain and bewilderment, he talks about the beauty of the people of Israel, and the holiness of this nation. The Tamar Yonah Show 04MAY2021 - PODCAST

On today's podcast we will address the recent tragedy that occurred in the northern part of Israel on Mount Meron. A catastrophe that is the worst peacetime calamity to ever have taken place in Israel's 73 year modern history. The show continues with  more of  Dr. Hannah Haustein's compelling stories of her life here in Israel. And anecdotes that come from her journey from her native homeland in South Africa to forging a new life with her husband and three young children in the Land.Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Hannah Haustein Music:Yakov Golman - Reflection (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

NEW DETAILS EMERGED OVER THE MASS CASUALTIES AT MT. MERON ISRAEL during Interview with Avi Abelow from The Pulse of Israel Podcast, about the largest civilian casualty toll in Israel's history. According to media reports, At least 45 people were crushed to death and more than 150 people hurt, including many in critical condition, after midnight Thursday at a mass gathering to celebrate the Lag B'Omer holiday at Mount Meron, medics said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident “a terrible disaster,” promised a thorough investigation, and said that Sunday would be declared a day of national mourning. According to Avi Abelow, witnesses reported telling police on the scene, prior to the tragedy, that they had to remove the exit barricades or there could be casualties and injuries, but their warnings and pleadings went unheeded. Army Radio reported that children were among the dead and injured. The event is believed to be the worst peacetime tragedy in modern Israeli history, with a death toll higher than the 44 who lost their lives in the 2010 Mount Carmel forest fire.

Welcome to the first episode of The CJN Daily. Today, host Ellin Bessner focuses on the tragedy that killed 45 people and injured more than 150 others during what was supposed to be a celebration for Lag b'Omer on Mount Meron. Ellin talks with Dr. Oded Oron, a visiting scholar with the Israel Institute, who explains what the event is supposed to be—and how it all went wrong. After that, Dr. Ira Robinson, director of the Concordia Institute for Canadian Jewish Studies, talks about the anti-Zionist Toldos Aharon Hasidic sect, which played a central role in the lethal events. The CJN Daily is written and hosted by Ellin Bessner, who you can follow on Twitter at @ebessner. Victoria Redden is the producer. Michael Fraiman is the executive producer. Our theme music is by Dov Beck-Levine. Our title sponsor is Metropia.

Did new policing efforts on Mount Meron cause the mass stampede? Netanyahu to offer first PM seat to Bennett & Settlers take revenge after 3 Yeshiva students are shot. Social Media links, Newsletter sign-up &, Support the show $ here: https://linktr.ee/israeldailynews --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/israeldailynews/support

Two terror attacks hit Israel Sunday, as citizens still reeling from the tragedy at Mount Meron over the weekend. - Memorials for Mount Meron end – investigations beginning. - And finally, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s mandate to form a coalition ending tonight.

Ben Caspit speaks this week to professor Chuck Freilich, a senior fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. This expert on Israel’s national security strategy and Israel’s decision-making processes details five failures which brought about the tragedy of Mount Meron, where 45 people were trampled to death last week. For Freilich, the first reason relates to Israel’s top political leadership — including the prime minister, the minister of the interior, the minister of religious affairs and the minister of domestic security. "They all pressed all out to hold this festival without any restrictions on numbers. They’re all of course now doing their best to avoid taking any responsibility. They had pressed for [holding the celebrations on Mount Meron] despite the fact that the dangers were well known, and despite the dangers related to COVID," he said.

What happened on Mount Meron where 45 people were killed, and 150 people were injured? What lessons do we need to learn, to prevent this from ever happening again? Why did G-d 'let this happen'? And finally, what was it like to have been there when the tragedy struck? Tamar speaks with Aviva Spiegel, an eye-witness who was at the celebration, and she describes what she saw. and her assessment of the general feel of the crowd as they learned of the magnitude of the disaster. The Tamar Yonah Show 02MAY2021 - PODCAST

Israel observes a Day of National Mourning for the 45 victims of the Mount Meron disaster.All victims identified. Coalition contacts resume ahead of Tuesday midnight deadline. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel's biggest yearly religious celebration, the massive gathering on Mount Meron for the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba'omer, turned into Israel's worst civilian tragedy ever. A distant relative of mine was killed in this tragedy. Listen as I share some important spiritual and practical insights from this horrible tragedy.

45 Crushed to Death at Lag Ba'omer Disaster in Mount Meron SBS Jerusalem report in Hebrew with Prof Rafi Mann

45 people were crushed to death and more than 150 people hurt, including many in critical condition, in a stampede after midnight Thursday at a mass gathering to celebrate the Lag B’Omer holiday at Mount Meron, children were among the dead and injured. The deadly crush began around 1 a.m. on Friday, as celebrants began to pour out of a section of a compound where festivities were being held. The event is believed to be the worst peacetime tragedy in modern Israeli history

Host Simon Spungin is joined by Haaretz’s Anshel Pfeffer and ultra-Orthodox journalist and activist Pnina Pfeuffer to discuss the aftermath of the Mount Meron tragedy, in which 45 people were crushed to death at a Jewish festival. We ask: Will Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu establish a commission of inquiry to investigate the incident? Will ultra-Orthodox Israelis respond to this disaster with anger – and in which direction? And could this tragedy be the catalyst for a change in the often fraught coexistence between secular and Haredi Israelis? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:00 Israel mourns victims of stampede on Mt. Meron 04:00 On Winks and Lies: The Performance of Sincerity and Conversion in Israel, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpAqEf7nYjU 32:00 Mickey Kaus on Joe Biden's first 100 days, https://twitter.com/kausmickey/status/1388860829806780418 35:00 Aaron's stroll stream from Jerusalem, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOIdTAukEUk 42:00 JF Gariepy in a transhumanism debate, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5TtSMvFaNY 55:00 Kaus on Biden's immigration policy 58:30 REM Theory Part # 3: Why Apolloism?, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc-HqbjXurQ 1:00:00 Dooovid joins to discuss Israel stampede 1:02:00 Mount Meron, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Meron 1:05:00 Senior Police Officers Claim They Were Pressured By Politicians To Allow Mass Entry To Meron, https://vinnews.com/2021/05/02/senior-police-officers-claim-they-were-pressured-by-politicians-to-allow-mass-entry-to-meron/ 1:24:00 Roger's Version by John Updike, https://www.nybooks.com/articles/1986/12/04/mr-updikes-planet/ 1:29:00 Meron disaster site revealed as a place where nobody was ever really in charge, https://www.timesofisrael.com/meron-disaster-site-revealed-as-a-place-where-nobody-was-ever-really-in-charge/ 1:31:00 Recriminations Intensify After Deadly Israel Stampede, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/01/world/middleeast/israel-mount-meron-stampede.html 1:36:00 What's the karma with the stampede? 1:48:00 RICHARD SPENCER, ED DUTTON & ATHEISM IS UNSTOPPABLE, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ESma2oWNo 1:51:00 Creating space for God 2:09:45 Hidden Heretics: Jewish Doubt in the Digital Age, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po3m8YAVa8k 2:13:00 Money, respect, women: This livestream gets Luke none of these 2:28:00 Keith Woods on neo-tribalism, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfKRqHLyvVg&t=6230s 2:32:00 Matt Christman on death and religion and woke, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-MLuxaNu0Y 2:44:00 Dennis Dale joins from Portland, https://dennisdale.wordpress.com/ 2:50:00 Top 10 Personality Traits of Likable People, https://readysetpsych.com/top-10-traits-of-likable-people/ 3:14:00 How to Get to Know Someone – Useful Social Tips, https://readysetpsych.com/how-to-get-to-know-someone-useful-social-tips/ Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSFVD7Xfhn7sJY8LAIQmH8Q/join https://odysee.com/@LukeFordLive, https://lbry.tv/@LukeFord, https://rumble.com/lukeford https://dlive.tv/lukefordlivestreams Listener Call In #: 1-310-997-4596 Superchat: https://entropystream.live/app/lukefordlive Bitchute: https://www.bitchute.com/channel/lukeford/ Soundcloud MP3s: https://soundcloud.com/luke-ford-666431593 Code of Conduct: https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=125692 https://www.patreon.com/lukeford http://lukeford.net Email me: lukeisback@gmail.com or DM me on Twitter.com/lukeford Support the show | https://www.streamlabs.com/lukeford, https://patreon.com/lukeford, https://PayPal.Me/lukeisback Facebook: http://facebook.com/lukecford Feel free to clip my videos. It's nice when you link back to the original.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to investigate a crush at a crowded religious festival that left dozens of people dead. At least 45 people were killed and 150 were injured at the all-night Lag B'Omer festival near Mount Meron, which attracted tens of thousands of Orthodox Jews. Also on the programme: the death toll in Brazil from the Covid pandemic passes 400,000 and in Holland a couple have become the first tenants of a house constructed entirely by a 3D printer. (Photo: Rescue workers collected the lost belongings of those caught up in the crush. Credit: Reuters)

The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has promised a thorough investigation into Thursday night's crush at a crowded religious festival in which at least forty five people died. A number of children were among the victims. Also in the programme: many are killed in clashes over water resources on Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border; and NASA pioneers new technology to look inside a black hole's smaller cousin, the neutron star. (Picture: Orthodox Jews looking at the scene of the crush on Mount Meron. Credit: Reuters/Ronen Zvulun)

Listen to this update from Marco Moreno about the tragic incident in northern Israel that left more than 40 dead and more than 150 injured.

A stampede at a pilgrimage in Israel has killed at least 44 people and LAPD police arrest five suspects in theft of Lady Gaga’s bulldogs This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Friday, April 30th. *) Israel pilgrimage stampede kills at least 44 people A massive stampede at a densely packed Jewish pilgrimage site has killed at least 44 people in northern Israel. The incident occurred at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in Mount Meron, where mainly ultra-Orthodox Jews flock to mark the Lag B’Omer holiday. Closed last year due to coronavirus restrictions, this year's pilgrimage was expected to be a celebratory event for Israel. *) India posts record daily rise in Covid-19 cases of 386,452 The first US emergency aid has arrived in India as it grapples with a devastating surge in Covid-19 cases. The Covid-ravaged country posted another record daily rise of more than three-hundred-and-eighty-six thousand (386,000) new cases and more than 3,400 deaths. The country is in deep crisis, with hospitals and morgues overwhelmed, and an oxygen shortage that is expected to continue well into May. *) Pentagon preparing for Taliban attacks during US withdrawal The Pentagon is preparing for possible Taliban attacks on US and coalition forces as they withdraw from Afghanistan. All US and other foreign forces were to have departed Afghanistan on May 1 under last year’s deal between the Taliban and the Trump administration. President Joe Biden decided the final but delayed withdrawal by September 11. The Taliban see the delay as a violation of the agreement. *) Kyrgyzstan says death toll in clashes with Tajikistan rises to 13 Kyrgyzstan has said it evacuated 11,500 people in the aftermath of border clashes with Tajikistan that claimed 13 lives. Kyrgyzstan's health ministry said the country had suffered 134 casualties "including 13 fatalities", with two of the injured in a serious condition. Fighting between the two countries began on Thursday as their militaries exchanged fire at the border over a water source, with a ceasefire announced the same day. And finally ... *) Five charged in violent abduction of Lady Gaga's bulldogs In Hollywood, police have arrested five people over the February abduction of Lady Gaga’s two bulldogs and the shooting of a dog walker during the theft. Four of the suspects are known street gang members, while the fifth was the woman who said she had found the dogs and safely returned them for a reward. The two bulldogs were dropped off unharmed at an LAPD station on February 26 and delivered to the musician's representatives two days after they were snatched. And that’s your daily news brief from TRT World. For more, head to trtworld.com.

Our sympathy and prayers are with Israel on this day as the tragedy at Mount Meron has hit the nation.

New York City is set to reopen on July 1st, Mount Meron stampede is ‘one of the worst disasters’ in Israeli history, a couple in Israel are getting a divorced due to the wife who will not stop feeding wild boars, and the proper etiquette in the grocery store! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.