UNCONDITIONAL AID

Not only in the Middle East but all over the world Israeli’s are usually the first on the scene to help in any way they possibly can when sudden disaster strikes.

 The “Search and Rescue Unit” is a highly skilled force trained to execute special search and rescue missions, both in Israel and abroad. The soldiers go through special training in combat, search and rescue from disaster sites, and responding to ABC (atomic, biological, chemical) warfare. The unit is sent on missions all over the world to aid in natural disaster relief.  

Israeli doctors, nurses and medics ito set up field hospitals at the scene of natural disasters anywhere in the world.  The Israel Center for Disaster Medicine and Humanitarian Response teams, which have saved many lives in Haiti, Mexico, Zambia, Papua New Guinea, Guatemala and India, is constantly expanding their crucial operations all over the globe. They have the capability to mobilize and recruit people and equipment at short notice, and to be first responders in times of crisis.

The UN, through its Population Fund, has given its 2018 award to the Wolfson Medical Center in Israel  known as SACH (Save a Child’s Heart organization). The organization has saved the lives of more than 4,500 children from Africa, South America, Asia and the Middle East, including the Palestinian Authority. Israeli hospitals continue to treat children from Hamas-led Gaza and the PA’s West Bank , often without payment and in times of war.

For years, an Israeli medical delegation travels to rural areas in Ethiopia to perform much-needed eye surgeries to many of the blind men, women and children. The delegation was originally led by 88 year old philanthropist Morris Kahn. When asked what motivates him at his age to leave the comfort of his home for the difficult and sometimes dangerous journey, he answered: “I can’t only sign a check…Giving my time, sharing my talents and being actively involved is the way to find a higher purpose, transcend difficulties and achieve fulfillment and meaning in life.”  In many cases, it is not only sight that is restored, but saving the lives of the patients. Several of the infants who were born with abnormalities and believed to be impure and cursed, would otherwise have been sentenced to death.

                                                                    

Remember the tragedy of the trapped 12 boys and their soccer coach in a cave in Thailand? Amongst the first responders was an Israeli company which provides emergency mobile communications tools in areas without reception. These very expensive devices were voluntarily donated.  In addition, Israelis were part of the support team for the divers entering the maze of caves.

In Erin Zimmerman’s documentary “To Life, How Israeli Volunteers are Changing the World, she says: “You see Israelis doing amazing work. When asked why they do it we get these wonderful answers: “We’re supposed to be…” or “God made us this way.” From secular and religious alike, it’s amazing to hear.”