For the first time since the devastating tragedy that struck the Karlin-Stolin community on Erev Shavuos four years ago, the chassidus is preparing to return to its grand beis medrash in Givat Ze’ev.
Massive renovation and safety efforts are currently underway to enable the building’s rededication in time for the upcoming Yom Tov of Shavuos.
The incident, one of the most harrowing in recent memory, occurred in 5781 during an inaugural celebration at the nearly completed building on Rechov HaEsrog. In the middle of the festivities, eight of the sixteen rows of bleachers collapsed inside the new heichal. The structure, designed to serve as the central location for the Karlin-Stolin tishen, instantly turned into a disaster scene.
Emergency response teams, including helicopters and large contingents from Magen David Adom and other rescue units, worked for hours to evacuate the injured. Tragically, two members of the chassidus were pronounced dead, and 184 others were hospitalized, some in critical condition.
Since the collapse, the building has remained unused while the community mourned, investigated, and worked to meet all necessary safety standards. Now, after receiving full authorization and implementing extensive safety enhancements, Karlin-Stolin is finally preparing to reopen the beis medrash in all its splendor.
In recent weeks, a flurry of construction and finishing work has resumed at a rapid pace. The goal: to ensure the building is ready to accommodate the thousands of chassidim expected to gather under its roof this Shavuos, Zeman Matan Toraseinu.
{Matzav.com Israel}