Fear storm: Shocking moment crowd flees after ‘loud noise’ sparks panic at University of Florida vigil for victims of Israel terror – hospitalizing at least 30
- Confusion and miscommunication reportedly provoked a chaotic response at the university’s vigil
- Students, who believed they were in danger, were injured while trying to flee the vigil
Dozens of University of Florida students were sent to a local hospital late Monday night after chaos and confusion broke out during a vigil for victims of the terror attacks in Israel.
About 30 students were reportedly taken to UF Health Shands Hospital for their injuries, following what officials say was a panic-driven misunderstanding that sent the crowd screaming and running for safety.
The school’s Chabad rabbi, Berl Goldman, said he was at the vigil with University President former Sen. Ben Sasse when someone fainted or fell into the crowd and people started yelling “911,” which others understood that there was danger.
The Gainesville Sun reported that some in the crowd of about 1,000 people said they feared they heard gunshots, though none were fired.
As frightened students ran, many tripped and fell over each other. Witnesses at the hospital said students were treated for concussions, cuts 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 be afraid of their own late Monday night
Chanie Goldman, the associate director of the Chabad Jewish Student Center, described the incident as “a real stampede.”
“Kids are very shaken … People came to the event to begin with because there is a fear going to any Jewish event that something might happen,” she added.
Despite reports of significantly higher numbers, UF Public Safety posted on its social media accounts that only five people were injured and treated at 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, a noise during the program caused a panic Although we do not know the cause definitively, we feel certain that it was rooted in misunderstanding. All are 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 postponed to a later date.
Speaking before the chaos unfolded, Sasse issued a statement to the Sun: ‘Tonight’s vigil was an opportunity for our community to condemn Hamas’ terrorism and stand with our Jewish Gators. I am grateful to every Gator who came out to show their support. I am grateful to Rabbi Jonah and Rabbi Berl for their leadership.’
The University of Florida has approximately 9,000 Jewish students between undergraduate and graduate enrollment.
Officials said a miscommunication in the crowd of 1,000 people caused panic that led to a stampede that led to the hospitalization of dozens of students
As frightened students ran, many tripped and fell over each other. Witnesses at the hospital said students were treated for concussions, cuts and one broken leg
The Palestinian terrorist group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel over the weekend, 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 start 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 vowed “mighty revenge” on Israel’s attackers that will end in victory for his country.