More than 30 students were injured during a vigil at the University of Florida for victims of Israel’s terrorist attacks, when a “misunderstanding” sparked widespread panic and a dangerous stampede Monday night.
A video posted online shows a rabbi leading a large group in prayer, when suddenly someone screams, causing people to flee in terror.
“It was a real stampede,” Chanie Goldman, co-director of the Chabad Jewish Student Center, told The Gainesville Sun.
“The children are very shocked… At first, people came to the event nervous because, when attending any Jewish event, there is a fear that something could happen.”
More than 30 people were treated at an area hospital, including some with concussions and at least one person with a broken leg, the local newspaper said.
Police later said panic began due to a “misunderstanding” after someone in the crowd fainted shortly before 9 p.m., prompting people to shout “911,” which others misinterpreted as meaning there was danger.
Around the same time, a person is believed to have dropped a bag or at least several items to create a loud noise that some believed sounded like gunshots, according to the Gainesville newspaper.
More than 30 students were injured during a vigil at the University of Florida for victims of Israel’s terrorist attacks.WCJB
“We have no reason to believe there was malicious intent behind this incident,” Chief Linda Stump-Kurnick told News 4 Jacksonville.
“It was an accident that was misinterpreted by the crowd and caused panic.”
A joint statement from Rabbi Goldman and “Rabbi Jonah,” who heads the school’s Hillel, reads: “Today, hundreds of our campus Jewish community gathered to support Israel at a unity rally in Turlington Plaza.
A “misunderstanding” caused widespread panic and a dangerous stampede on Monday night. Matt V. Gold/Facebook A video posted online shows a rabbi leading a large group in prayer, before chaos erupted. Matt V. Oro/Facebook
“It was a beautiful and moving evening. Unfortunately, during the show, a noise caused panic.
“Although we do not definitively know the cause, we are certain that it is due to a misunderstanding,” the rabbis said, noting that “everyone is safe, except for minor injuries.”
“Our institutions exist to support Jewish students,” they added. “We remain united in our commitment to this sacred work.”
The University of Florida has one of the largest Jewish student populations, with around 9,000 students across undergraduate and graduate programs.
School president Ben Sasse, who had delivered remarks at the vigil before it descended into chaos, also said in a statement: “Tonight’s vigil was an opportunity for our community to condemn Hamas terrorism and support to our Jewish Gators.
“A noise caused panic,” said Rabbi Goldman and “Rabbi Jonah.” Stacy Turkel Nicolau/Facebook The University of Florida has one of the largest Jewish student populations. Stacy Turkel Nicolau/Facebook
“I’m grateful for each and every Gator who came out to show their support,” he said, using the university’s mascot to describe the students.
“I am grateful to Rabbi Jonah and Rabbi Berl for their leadership,” Sasse added.
The vigil will now be rescheduled for a later date.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn