The Foreign Ministry will donate NIS 20 million ($5 million) to victims of genocide in Darfur, Sudan, following a recommendation presented by Daniel Miron, head of the Ministry’s Human Rights Division.
Sudan Crisis
Israel's Darfur fiasco / Eytan Schwartz
Israel losing points abroad by mistreating Darfur refugees
“Israel cannot stand by while such a severe humanitarian crisis is taking place - the most severe in the world today - without trying to reach out and help,” he said.
Miron headed the team in the ministry responsible for compiling the recommendations for aid.
Foreign Ministry Director General Aaron Abramovich is expected to hold several meetings regarding the proposed donation.
According to the recommendation, Israel will transfer NIS 16 million ($4 million) to four international aid organizations, and purchase $1 million worth of medicine and water desalination equipment from Israeli companies, which would be given to the refugees.
In addition, the ministry’s Center for International Cooperation (MASHAV) intends on establishing a camp in Kenya where two Israeli doctors will be sent in order to care for hundreds of patients.
Israel has donated about $200,000 to genocide victims in Sudan over the past three years, while the international community has contributed about $1.8 billion in the past five months.
The proposed donation will put Israel on the top 10 list of countries who have donated most to Darfur refugees.
The United Nations has labeled the situation in Darfur as the most severe humanitarian tragedy in the world today.
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