Deadly crush at Israeli religious festival ------------------------------------------------- At least 44 people were crushed to death and over 150 injured at the Lag Ba’Omer festival, which takes place annually at the foot of Mount Meron, northern Israel ------------------------------------------------- Apr 30, 01.00 local time (22:00GMT): Stampede occurs after some revellers slip on steps, causing dozens more to fall, police sources tell Haaretz newspaper ------------------------------------------------- LEBANON Tel Aviv WEST BANK Jerusalem GAZA ISRAEL EGYPT SYRIA JORDAN 80km 50 miles ------------------------------------------------- LAG BA’OMER FESTIVAL ------------------------------------------------- Annual pilgrimage to Meron by ultra- Orthodox Jews for religious holiday marked with all-night bonfires, prayer and dancing ------------------------------------------------- Town is site of tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai (right) – revered second-century sage, who ordained that anniversary of his death be commemorated with celebration of his life ------------------------------------------------- This year’s festival – estimated to have been attended by 100,000 people – was largest event held in Israel since Covid-19 pandemic broke out last year ------------------------------------------------- Sources: Haaretz, Reuters, BBC Pictures: Newscom, Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS