More than 30 students were injured during a vigil at the University of Florida for the victims of the Israel terrorist attacks — when a “misunderstanding” caused widespread panic and a dangerous stampede late Monday.

Video posted online shows a rabbi leading a large group in prayer, when someone suddenly screams — causing people to run away in fear.

“It was a real stampede,” Chanie Goldman, co-director of the Chabad Jewish Student Center, told The Gainesville Sun.

“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.”

More than 30 people were treated in an area hospital, including some with concussions and at least one person with a broken leg, the local paper said.

Police later said the panic began due to a “misunderstanding” after someone in the crowd fainted just before 9 p.m., leading people to scream “911,” which others misinterpreted to mean there was danger.

At around the same time, it is believed a person dropped a bag or at least several items to create a loud noise that some believed sounded like gunshots, according to the Gainesville paper.

“We have no reason to believe that there was malicious intent behind this incident,” Chief Linda Stump-Kurnick told News 4 Jacksonville.

“It was an accident that was misinterpreted by the crowd that led to panic.”

A joint statement from Rabbi Goldman and “Rabbi Jonah,” who leads the school’s Hillel, reads: “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 that this was rooted in misunderstanding,” the rabbis said, noting that “everyone is safe, with the exception of minor injuries.

“Our institutions exist to support Jewish students,” they added. “We remain united in our commitment to this sacred work.”

“While we do not definitively know the cause, we feel certain that this was rooted in misunderstanding,” the rabbis said, noting that “everyone is safe, with the exception of minor injuries.

The University of Florida has one of the largest Jewish student populations, with about 9,000 pupils between undergraduate and graduate programs.

School President Ben Sasse — who had delivered remarks at the vigil before it descended into chaos — also said in a statement: “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,” he said, using the university’s mascot to describe the students.

“I’m grateful for Rabbi Jonah and Rabbi Berl for their leadership,” Sasse added.

The vigil is now being rescheduled for a later date.

Advertisement