Israeli Humanitarian Mission Arrives in Cebu Today

Israeli delegation composed of doctors, nurses and health workers arrived in Cebu today at 8:45 a.m. at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIAA), to send medical aid to the typhoon victims. They will head to Bogo city to extend help.

The group left for the Philippines on Wednesday, November 13, 2013, in order to provide search, rescue, and medical services in typhoon-struck areas of the Philippines.

A state-of-the-art multi-department medical facility, equipped with tons of humanitarian and medical supplies from Israel, will be rapidly established in areas hit by typhoon Yolanda, to provide medical care for disaster casualties.

The $4 million medical facility will be constructed of a children’s department, an obstetrics department, an ambulatory care department, and a general ward.

Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Menashe Bar On said Israel is ready to help its friend in their time of need. “At this moment, our urgent task is to extend help to the Philippine government and the Filipino people.”

Israeli delegation arriving in Cebu this morning at MCIAA. (Contributed photo)

In addition to a humanitarian mission, senior Israeli officials sent their condolences to Philippine President Benigno Simeon Aquino III.

In his official letter, Israeli President Shimon Peres wrote that Israel is “following with much concern the horrifying effects of the storm and hope that the aid provided by the State of Israel will help ease the suffering of the people of the Philippines.”

Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman sent his sympathies to his Filipino counterpart, Albert Del Rosario.

The medical facility is expected to treat thousands of those who are dealing with injuries caused by the typhoon, and will be bringing ease to those currently struggling.

A similar facility was established during in Haiti and Turkey when they were struck by earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, respectively.