Help comes from the heart – not the head
The tragic earthquake in Haiti has seen nations, organisations and individuals around the world rush to the aid of those in need. The US has sent supplies and personnel, Britain sent 64 firemen and 8 volunteers, France sent troops for Search and Rescue. Many nations have sent money. I am so proud of the world – and I am so proud of the the way Israel has responded. A small nation of 7.5 million people, we have sent a team of 220 people that include medical personnel – to establish the biggest field hospital in Haiti that will treat up to 500 people a day, as well as offer an experienced Search and Rescue team and medical supplies. This hospital is the largest of its kind in Haiti and was set up in 48 hours, Israel has experience in providing this kind of aid from previous earthquake disasters, such as in Gujarat India in 2001 and in Turkey, and in the bombings in Kenya.
The field hospital we have set up has operating rooms, an intensive care ward, a maternity ward, a pediatrics ward, incubator units, a pharmacy, X-ray equipment, 10 tons of medical equipment , 90 beds, 66 intensive care beds and two delivery beds.
A second Israeli delegation headed by Maj.-Gen. Yair Golan left for Haiti last night, with extra staff and supplies.
There are always cynics and anti-zionists out there who will say this is being done to boost Israel’s image. But really- the bottom line is we are doing something real. We are replacing platitudes with action. Speeches with action. Arguments and politics with action. The fact is – it doesn’t matter what the naysayers say – because there will always be naysayers. At the end of the day…while they talk - we are helping.
