January 15, 2010

IsraAID Launches Relief Efforts for Victims of Haiti Earthquake


IsraAID: The Israel Forum for International Aid has launched an emergency relief effort in response to the devastating earthquake that shook Haiti, just outside the capital of Port au-Prince on 12 January.

By 14 January, IsraAID rapidly deployed its first relief team to the region through its member organization F.I.R.S.T. The 15 member civilian response team, comprised of doctors, nurses, paramedics and logisticians all belonging to FIRST's Search and Rescue teams will be providing emergency medical assistance and distributing urgently needed humanitarian supplies. The team lands in the Dominican Republic and will travel by land to the earthquake zone.

IsraAID team members will work along side 'Operation Blessing' to provide emergency medical assistance in clinics which have been overwhelmed since the disaster hit.

While the scale of the disaster is not fully clear, initial reports from IsraAID partner agencies on the ground emphasize the dire need for medical care and critical humanitarian relief items, including medical, shelter and cooking supplies, hygiene kits, clothing and food and water. The team's plan is to purchase such items and distribute goods in priority areas, in close coordination with local partner agency operation blessing.

IsraAID will be conducting ongoing assessments on the ground in order prepare for longer term support throughout the emergency and recovery phases.

IsraAID's emergency response in Haiti is supported through the generous donations of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, American Jewish Committee, Bna'i Brith International, The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago in addition to other Federations in the North America.

IsraAID is currently seeking additional funds to support its aid operations in Haiti. Request for assistance is needed in the up most urgency.

For more information please contact Shachar Zahavi at: szahavi@hotmail.com