Dozens of University of Florida students were sent to a local hospital late Monday evening after chaos and confusion erupted at a vigil for victims of the terror attacks in Israel.
Some 30 students were reportedly taken to UF Health Shands Hospital for their injuries, following what officials say was panic driven by a misunderstanding that caused the crowd to begin screaming and running for safety.
The school’s Chabad Rabbi, Berl Goldman said he was with University President former Senator Ben Sasse at the vigil when someone fainted or fell in the crowd and people began yelling ‘911,’ which others understood to mean danger was afoot.
The Gainesville Sun reported that some in the roughly 1,000-person crowd said they feared they had heard gunshots, though none were fired.
As scared students ran, many tripped and fell over one another. Witnesses at the hospital said students were treated for concussions, lacerations, and one broken leg.
A large crowd gathered at Turlington Plaza at the University of Florida to hold a vigil for the victims in Israel only to have a scare of their own late Monday night
Chanie Goldman, the co-director of the Chabad Jewish Student Center, described the incident as ‘a real stampede.’
‘Kids are very shaken up … People came to the event on edge to begin with because there is a fear for going to any Jewish event that something could happen,’ she added.
Despite reports of significantly higher numbers, UF Public Safety posted to its social media accounts that only five people were injured and treated on the scene.
A joint statement from UF Chabad and Hillel read: ‘Today our campus Jewish community gathered in the hundreds to stand with Israel at a unity gathering in Turlington Plaza.
‘It was a moving and beautiful evening. Unfortunately, during the program a noise led a panic to ensue While we do not definitively know the cause, we feel certain this was rooted in misunderstanding. Everyone is safe with the exception of minor injuries.
‘Our institutions exist to support Jewish students. We remain united in our commitment to this sacred work.’
The vigil is being postponed to a later date.
Sasse, who spoke prior to the unfurling of the chaos, delivered a statement to the Sun: ‘Tonight’s vigil was an opportunity for our community to condemn Hamas’ terrorism and stand by our Jewish Gators. I’m grateful for each and every Gator who came to show their support. I’m grateful for Rabbi Jonah and Rabbi Berl for their leadership.’
The University of Florida has about 9,000 Jewish students between undergraduate and graduate enrollment.
Officials said a miscommunication in the 1,000-person crowd sparked a panic that led to a stampede resulting in the hospitalization of dozens of students
As scared students ran, many tripped and fell over one another. Witnesses at the hospital said students were treated for concussions, lacerations, and one broken leg
Over the weekend, Palestinian terror group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing at least 900 Israelis (in addition to 11 Americans), injuring thousands more, and taking dozens hostage.
The surprise attack on Saturday morning came just one day after the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Yom Kippur War, which saw Israel battle existential threats from hostile neighbors led by Egypt and Syria.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immediately declared a state of war and has since promised ‘mighty vengeance’ on Israel’s attackers that will end in victory for his country.
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