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Sunday 17 November 2013

200 Israelis in mercy mission to Philippines

MORE than 200 Israeli doctors, nurses and paramedics have been sent to the storm-ravaged Philippines.

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Ron Prosor said Israel was supporting the Philippines "not only in words but also in actions".

He added that the Israel Defence Forces sent two Boeing 747s with 234 Israeli doctors, nurses and paramedics on Wednesday night.

They were to set up a state-of-the-art mobile hospital in Tacloban city, central Philippines, to treat wounded survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, which killed up to 10,000.

Israel assembled a similar hospital in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake there, equipped with an intensive care unit and a maternity ward.

The Philippines-bound planes carried around 100 tons of supplies and 148 personnel from search and rescue units.

The Philippine Ambassador to Israel, Generoso D G Calonge, said the extent of Israel's help had made him "so happy".

"I can't describe the feeling right now, that my host country cares about our stricken people," he said.

"I hope the people of Israel will maintain their attitude of people who are stricken with this crisis and who are on the losing end of natural disasters."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netan-yahu wrote to Philippines President Benigno Simeon Aquino: "On behalf of the government and the people of Israel, I extend heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives as a result of the horrific typhoon.

"And I send best wishes for a speedy recovery to those who were injured 

"I hope Israel's assistance will help alleviate the suffering of those affected by this disaster."

The Israeli disaster relief organisation IsraAid has also sent an emergency response.

World Jewish Relief is appealing to British Jews for urgent help to support those affected by the typhoon. More than £110,000 has been raised already.

WJR's emergency appeal will provide food and water, temporary shelter and medical support.

To donate to WJR's Typhoon Haiyan Emergency Appeal, phone 0208 7361270 or visitwww.wjr.org.uk/haiyan


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