For ABC Wednesday's H day: How Israel is helping Haiti.
This photo is borrowed from a Facebook album of IsraAID: The Israel Forum for International Humanitarian Aid.
.
After the earthquake Israel was prompt to send in medical and rescue teams and equipment.
Probably you followed on TV how everyone in Haiti loved the Israeli doctors and soldiers and volunteers. And here in Israel we could easily see in the videos that our people in the field were becoming very fond of the injured children and all those that they helped.
I think they were almost sorry to finish their mission there and fly home.
.
So it didn't surprise us too much when this great news was announced last week:
(quoted from the Foreign Affairs Ministry website)
"The Israeli government has decided to continue its official assistance to Haiti as part of the global effort of reconstruction of the country. This will be coordinated through MASHAV - Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Israeli ambassador in Santo Domingo, Amos Radian, is in contact with the authorities in Haiti to find an appropriate site for building an Israeli Children's Village and to obtain the necessary approval. The project plans include an elementary school that will operate in two shifts, a playground/sports field, and a medical center. The site could also be utilized for conducting evening adult education classes. A planned community center will work with youngsters on post trauma treatment and counseling, psychological rehabilitation and afternoon activities.
In coordination with the mayor of Port au Prince, a local principal and teaching staff will be recruited for the school, which will be comprised of 6-8 classrooms (between 30-50 students per class). They will be joined by professionals from Israel and, possibly, volunteer teachers from Jewish communities around the world. Meals will be provided to the school through an arrangement with various NGOs."
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There are many other current Israeli aid efforts in Haiti.
I promise, it will make you feel good about humanity to read about them and about the many Israeli and Jewish volunteer organizations committed to helping where help is needed. Wonderful photos, videos, and links at the MFA website!
.
