Rescued in Nepal
6 deaf Israelis rescued in Nepal
Six deaf Israelis trapped in area blocked by rebels; rescued by helicopter
TEL AVIV - Six deaf Israelis were rescued by a helicopter from an area controlled by Maoist rebels in Nepal . The group of travelers managed to contact the Israeli embassy in the country via another traveler who functioned as mediator.
With the help of local Israeli Counsel Meir Levi, Clal Israeli insurance company sponsored the local helicopter that took on the mission.
A Clal official told Ynet: "We were approached by the Foreign Ministry and they asked us to help rescue the group."
"Nothing happened to the tourists, but they were in a very unpleasant situation. It is clear why they wished to leave the area," the official said. "That's why we agreed to sponsor a local helicopter to get them out of there."
Only recently, the Foreign Ministry issued a statement that called Israelis to avoid unnecessary visits to Nepal, in light of the emergency situation that was declared throughout the country.
In addition, the Foreign Ministry released an appeal calling on all Israelis who are in Nepal, or intend on visiting it, to contact the Israeli embassy in Katmandu.
Rebels, government battle it out
The current trouble aroused after the King dismissed his cabinet, announced that it will be replaced by a royal council he will appoint, and that he will single-handily steer the wheel of the regime for the next three years.
Upon the cabinet's dismissal, the King blamed the government for failing to manage the elections and settling the 10-year-long conflict.
In the past decade, Nepal has been torn by the ongoing battle between the monarchy and its institutions and the communist rebels.
In a bid to strengthen his position, the King threatened the rebels and called on them to surrender or he will launch a military campaign against them.
Consequently, the rebels have been demonstrating in different parts of the country and paralyzed most local communication systems.
