Americans and Canadians among the victims of the stampede with Israel

A US embassy spokeswoman said today, Saturday, that a number of American citizens were among dozens of dead and injured in a stampede during a Jewish religious celebration in Israel.

At least 45 people were crushed and about 150 were injured in the accident on the slopes of Jabal al-Jumruk in northern Israel on Thursday evening and Friday night. Read also You talked about systematic racial discrimination … a UN committee unanimously endorses a complaint against Israel’s violations of the Palestinians’ rights How did Washington manage the difficult equation … will it coordinate security with Israel and continue negotiating with Iran?Its supporters chanted, “Death to the Arabs.” Who is the far-right Israeli anti-Palestinian group Lahava?

The spokeswoman added, “The United States embassy is working with local authorities to verify whether any other American nationals have been affected by the incident, and is providing all possible consular support to the American citizens concerned and their families. Out of respect for their families at this difficult time, we are reluctant to make any further comment.”

On Friday, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that consulate officials in New York were in contact with four families with victims and that the embassy in Argentina was in contact with one family.

For his part, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said yesterday that he learned of the death of two Canadian citizens in the accident.

The Israeli Ministry of Health indicated that 32 of the dead were identified late Friday.

The identification process for the dead was suspended for 24 hours until the Sabbath, when Jews stop work, to resume in the evening.