Myanmar cyclone: Israel to send aid
Foreign Ministry to send medicine, medical equipment; Israeli humanitarian groups expected to send medical teams
Israel is joining the list of countries set to offer aid to Myanmar in the wake of a cyclone storm last weekend that left at least 22,500 people dead.
The Foreign Ministry will be sending an initial $100,000 aid package comprising medicine and medical equipment to Myanmar in the next few days. The emergency aid relief is a combined effort with the Jewish Joint Organization. However, Israel is planning to send additional aid to Myanmar soon.
The Foreign Ministry is collaborating with other Israeli organizations aiding the disaster-stricken country. These groups include FIRST, which is putting together a team of 12 medical and rescue professionals to depart for Myanmar this week and help treat the injured.
In addition, Israeli non-profit group Latet will also be sending two people to survey the area in order to gain a better perspective on the necessary emergency aid.
General Manager of Latet Adv. Eran Weintraub told Ynet Tuesday that Myanmar's rulers did not let relief workers enter the area in the first few days following the cyclone, but changed course after realizing they need help.
"Even though the poverty here is great and the distress is great, the fact that on the eve of the State of Israel's 60th Independence Day of all times us Israelis have the power to offer help fills me with a sense of pride," he said.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry has also issued a travel warning for Israeli tourists going to Myanmar, due to the heavy damages caused to national infrastructure such as roads and communications.
Tal Rabinovsky contributed to this report
