Israeli Team Expands Operations

After days of operations in Bogo City, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) medical personnel have decided to further expand out to the rest of Northern Cebu and nearby surrounding islands.

The expansion comes when the Israeli team has been successful in delivering a baby and restoring a man’s vision after he struck by a nail in his eye. The expansion is in cooperation with the provincial government of Cebu and will also see teams from South Korea, China and France as well.

Together with the members of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the IDF team arrived in Bogo City at around 6  p.m. last 14 November 2013, and started treating thousands dealing with injuries – mostly women and children.

The residents of Bogo City greeted the large group with a resounding “Maraming salamat!” or “thank you” for coming to their aid.

As examinations were on-going, a woman went into labor and gave birth to a healthy baby boy in the Israeli field hospital. The mother then thanked the doctors and nurses – then named her child “Israel”, after the country that assisted her in the ordeal.

The IDF nicknamed the mission “Operation Islands of Hope” –bringing with them tons of medical supplies and perishable goods, while instilling hope for those who were affected by typhoon Yolanda.
The Israeli medical assistance mission has been touted as one of the fastest and most effective treatments for the people of northern Cebu – with a number inspiring moments taking place.

Hundreds have availed of the IDF’s services ranging from common cold to internal medicine and diagnosis.

The Israeli humanitarian mission arrived in the Philippines last November 14, 2013.

An advanced multi-department medical facility, equipped with tons of humanitarian and medical supplies from Israel, were established in areas hit by typhoon Yolanda, to provide medical care for disaster casualties.

The delegation left for the Philippines last November 13, 2013, in order to provide search, rescue, and medical services in typhoon-struck areas of the Philippines.
The $4 million medical facility consists of a children’s department, an obstetrics department, an ambulatory care department, and a general ward, operated by Israeli doctors, nurses and health workers which first landed in Bogo City– north of Cebu province.

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 doctor laying a sick child to bed.	Bogo residents who are recipients of the Israeli humanitarian aid
Foreign doctors helped a woman give birth to a baby	Checking on a patient
VP Binay met with Members of Israeli Disaster Force

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, Secretary 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.

Videos: Highlights on day two of humanitarian mission in Cebu. Videos courtesy of the Embassy of Israel