Dr. Shmuel Katz of Bal Harbour, Florida, one of the most prominent lay leaders of US Jewry today and a member of the Israeli American Council (IAC) submitted to Arutz Sheva the following announcement on behalf of the organization:
The IAC family is deeply saddened by the terrible tragedy at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai at Mount Meron.
Our hearts are with the families who lost their loved ones, and we send prayers for a full recovery to all those who are injured.