People gather outside the home of Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky who passed away, in the city of Bnei Brak, on March 19, 2022. Photo by Avshalom Sassoni/ Flash90 *** Local Caption ***
People gather outside the home of Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky who passed away, in the city of Bnei Brak, on March 19, 2022. Photo by Avshalom Sassoni/ Flash90 *** Local Caption ***

 

ISRAEL  — Harav Yitzchak Zilberstein, brother-in-law of Rav Chaim Kanievsky Zt”l and Chaver of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, issued a strong warning about safety at the upcoming levaya.

Speaking to television reporters, the Rav said, “The Sar HaTorah was very careful to keep ‘Venishmartem Meod L’Nafshoseichem’. Anyone who comes too close [to the Mittah] tomorrow may be in danger. And it should especially not be at his funeral – someone will be in danger.”

The Rav, along with three other Charedi leaders, urged the public to use caution to avoid a potential tragedy. A letter was released by Rav Sariel Rosenberg, Rav Yehuda Silman, Rav Moshe Shaul Klein and Rav Zilberstein, calling on people not to arrive at Rav Chaim’s home or push to get near the body at the levaya. The letter stressed that as long as people walk in some part of the procession, they are fulfilling the mitzvah of accompanying the niftar.

The Forum of Families of Meron Victims called on the police and participants to do everything possible to avoid a “Meron 2” disaster. “Hopefully the lessons from the Meron disaster will be applied and every participant will be able to return home safely. A million people at a funeral in an area of just one kilometer is a real danger to lives,” said the Forum.

According to Israeli media sources, the police are concerned that the levaya could take a drastic turn for the worst.

On Motzei Shabbos, thousands of people crowded near the Rav’s home on Rechov Rashbam and tried to break through police barriers.

Binyamin Netanyahu, who came to pay respect, was stuck for over an hour at the Rav’s home, due to the intense crowding.

As reported by Vos Iz Neias