More than 30 students were injured during a vigil at the University of Florida for victims of an Israeli terror attack – when a “misunderstanding” led to widespread panic and dangerous stampedes late Monday.
A video posted online shows a rabbi leading a large group in prayer, when someone suddenly screams — causing people to flee in fear.
“It was a real stampede,” Chanie Goldman, co-director of the Chabad Jewish Student Center, told The Gainesville Sun.
“The kids were so shocked … People came to the event to start it because there’s a fear going to any Jewish event that something could happen.”
More than 30 people were treated at area hospitals, including several with concussions and at least one with a broken leg, local newspapers said.
Police later said the panic started because of a “misunderstanding” after someone in the group passed out shortly before 9 p.m., prompting people to shout “911,” which others misinterpreted as meaning there was danger.
At the same time, it is believed someone dropped a bag or at least several items to create a loud noise that some believe sounded like a gunshot, according to the Gainesville newspaper.
More than 30 students were injured during a vigil at the University of Florida for the victims of the Israeli terror attack.WCJB
“We have no reason to believe that there was malicious intent behind this incident,” Chief Linda Stump-Kurnick told News 4 Jacksonville.
“It was an accident that was misinterpreted by the public that caused panic.”
A joint statement from Rabbi Goldman and “Rabbi Jonah,” who heads the school’s Hillel, read: “Today, our campus Jewish community gathered in the hundreds to stand with Israel in a rally of unity in Turlington Plaza.
A “misunderstanding” caused widespread panic and dangerous stampedes late Monday.Matt V. Gold/Facebook Video posted online showed a rabbi leading a large group in prayer, before chaos broke out. Matt V. Gold/Facebook
“It was a moving and wonderful evening. Unfortunately, during the program, the noise caused panic.
“Although we don’t know for sure the cause, we feel certain that it was the result of a misunderstanding,” the rabbis said, noting that “everyone was safe, except for minor injuries.
“Our institution exists 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 approximately 9,000 students between undergraduate and graduate programs.
School President Ben Sasse – who had addressed the vigil before it turned into chaos – also said in a statement: “Tonight’s vigil is an opportunity for our community to condemn Hamas violence and stand by our Jewish Gators.
“Noise causes 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 to every Gator who came out to show their support,” he said, using the university’s mascot to describe the students.
“I thank Rabbi Jonah and Rabbi Berl for their leadership,” added Sasse.
The surveillance has now been rescheduled for a future date.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
