The Clarinetist of Meron: "The Tragedy Was Unimaginable"

We all remember Lag B'Omer 2021. During the lighting ceremony at the Toldot Aharon compound, many attendees began exiting via 'Rabbi Dov's path.' It became dangerously congested, with people struggling to breathe as the pressure intensified. About twenty minutes later, it was declared a mass casualty event. Forty-five men, teens, and children lost their lives in this horrific tragedy, and about a hundred were injured.

Chilik Frank is a talented and well-known clarinetist who has been playing on Lag B'Omer in Meron for decades, bringing joy to the pilgrims. He performs at the main lighting of the Toldot Aharon Hasidic group, and on the night of the tragedy, he was on stage.

"I Sat on the Stage and Cried"

Tell us how you started playing at this event?

"Our family has been going to Meron for Lag B'Omer for many years. As a child, I went there with my father every year and was always fascinated by the music and the joy. Nowadays, about two hundred thousand people attend, but back then there were tens of thousands over the day. The areas around the site were filled with families camping, alongside sheep brought for the celebration.

"About thirty years ago, as a 16-year-old, I came to Meron with friends. Back then, the orchestra played only at night, unlike today when there's music all day. At some point, only a keyboard player and a drummer remained on stage. My friends, knowing I had recently started playing the clarinet, encouraged me to join. I hesitated, but with their push, I found the courage to play. That night I performed for hours, and since then, I've played every year on Lag B'Omer in Meron. I had the honor of playing alongside the veteran clarinetist of Meron, Musa Berlin."

(Photo: David Cohen/Flash90)

Could you describe Lag B'Omer four years ago?

"That year began with particular joy. The previous year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people couldn't come to the mountain, and thus the following year, everyone was thrilled to return. The first hours of the night were filled with exceptional joy. People danced, and words can't describe the atmosphere.

"When the tragedy occurred, I was playing at the main lighting for the Toldot Aharon group, right where it all happened. I stood on the high stage when I started hearing calls for medical assistance, which isn't unusual given the crowd size. After a few minutes, I noticed activities behind the stage. Turning around, I saw people being laid down and covered. My fellow musicians noticed too, and we understood a severe incident was taking place. We immediately stopped playing. Initially, no one comprehended the full extent, but quickly it became clear as the line of deceased extended. Every few minutes, the number rose, and it was hard to process.

"I sat on the stage and cried for hours. Later, after the crowd dispersed, I managed to leave on foot towards the village of Kfar Shamai. I returned to Meron the next day, just before Shabbat. The atmosphere was heart-wrenching; the remaining people were in shock. The tragedy was unimaginable."

Lighting in Meron, archive (Photo: David Cohen/Flash90)

"At the Core, We Truly Love"

Frank not only witnessed the aftermath but had personal ties to some victims. "Two brothers, Moshe Mordechai and Yosef David Elhadad, were killed. I've known their father, Rabbi Nachman Elhadad, deeply for over 35 years, as both of us are part of the Breslov community. I also knew Yosef, may his memory be a blessing, an 18-year-old who played violin, and we occasionally performed together. He was a special individual and deeply devoted. Moreover, I was personally acquainted with several others. This awful event follows you, and even today, when memories arise, it hurts."

The tragedy followed a year when people couldn't ascend to Meron due to COVID-19, and even the previous year was disrupted by missile threats. Do you believe there's a message for us here?

"I don't claim to understand Divine ways. One thing I know is that our sages say the destruction of the Temple happened due to baseless hatred. This is the challenge of our generation, a difficult one since everyone has justifications, and often, people are well-meaning. The Natziv of Volozhin said the destruction occurred even though the Pharisees fought the Sadducees from pure intentions. Yet, the hatred led to ruin.

"I think the message from Meron's recent events is clear - we must genuinely love each other, with unconditional love. Our sages tell us the Temple was destroyed due to baseless hatred, and it will be rebuilt with unearned love and mutual respect. If we take this to heart, perhaps we can bring about change and healing."

Year after the tragedy, restrictions were imposed as precautions. Frank believes these were too strict and impacted Meron's unique atmosphere during Lag B'Omer. However, he is confident that with the lessons learned over the past three years, this year's celebration will be joyous and safe, with Hashem's help.

What draws so many people to Meron?

"The highlight of Meron each year is the unity of the Jewish people. Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai revealed the Zohar, the soul of Torah, and everyone coming to the mountain sets aside personal opinions to unite around the righteous sage and the Torah he unveiled.

"For me, it shows that deep down, we truly love each other. Daily life can make us forget this, but during events like Lag B'Omer when we come together, we can truly unite.

"Of course, what draws everyone here is also Rabbi Shimon's promise that 'I can exempt the whole world from judgment.' Throughout his life, he committed to intercede positively for us."

"I Just Get on the Bus and Go"

Frank not only talks about unity; he lives it by joining with all of Israel. "I just get on the bus and go," he says simply. "In recent years, due to restrictions, I arrive earlier to Safed to ensure entry on time. I come with just a small bag and my clarinet, eager to make people happy and honor Rabbi Shimon. If my music brings joy, I come gladly with a full heart and do my part by playing." Frank plays for hours at the grave site and the surrounding area, with some years performing up to sixteen hours a day. "It's a lot, but it's a special day, and I take breaks occasionally."

How do you decide what to play?

"I observe the crowd and choose accordingly. When a new group arrives, they expect to open their hearts with Miron tunes and songs like 'Bar Yochai.' Conversely, if the crowd is the same for a long time, I might vary the selections."

Finally, Frank sends this message to the Jewish people: "Come to Meron with an open heart, with love for Israel, and you'll receive much blessing, prosperity, and success from this pilgrimage to Lag B'Omer in Meron. With Hashem's help, if we truly strive to love and respect, perhaps redemption will come, who knows."