As nation mourns - Migdal Haemek lit up by fireworks
Residents shocked by sudden loud blasts, 'feel ashamed' as municipality carries out pre-planned event marking 20 years of Russian immigration to city. 'We won’t cancel events for Nasrallah' says Migdael Haemek spokesman Moshe Levy
Residents of Migdal Haemek could not believe their ears or eyes. Late Wednesday, as the caskets of IDF fallen Sergeant Major (res.) Ehud Goldwasser and Sergeant Major First Class (res.) Eldad Regev were being transported to the Shraga military camp and the nation came to a standstill to honor them, their local municipality decided to stage a firework display. The municipality admitted it had been in error on Thursday.
The strange commotion sent Cohen and his fellow neighbors out into the street. “We couldn't believe our eyes. A glorious fireworks display went on for almost 10 minutes, and sponsored by the municipality. I was very ashamed,” said Cohen.
About ten minutes later, the farce was cut short for a half an hour, but then resumed: “In many places around the country, the flag was lowered to half mast. Everyone is in pain and shock, and here we’re celebrating? I'm sorry but this is an insensitive and obtuse decision by the mayor,” Cohen concludes.
Moshe Levy, a spokesman for the Migdal Haemek municipality said in response that the event was launched with a moment of silence and that the mayor spoke in memory of Goldwasser and Regev: “The event that took place yesterday (Wednesday) marked 20 years since the Russian immigration wave to our town and was planned in conjunction with the Ministry of Absorption a half a year ago. It was impossible to cancel it, since some of the groups performing in the event came here all the way from Russia.
"As far as the fireworks – in retrospect, it was a wrong decision that should not have taken place. At the same time, we live in a country where sorrow and joy are intertwined. We won’t cancel events, surely not for Nasrallah.”
