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America to the rescue: Obama, Bloomberg offer help
Yitzhak Benhorin
Published: 03.12.10, 04:20
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33 Talkbacks for this article
1. Thank You Mayor
Jennie ,   NYC   (12.03.10)
For doing something positive and deserving appreciation in a long time....
2. When Jews build houses, it's not "helpful"
Arthur ,   USA   (12.03.10)
when somebody commits arson, not a word. People: Google Fureidis - dancing. Enough said.
3. Obama! You are rather LATE, "friend".
Harry Wright ,   UK   (12.03.10)
Maybe as you are way across the Atlantic you got the news after everybody else.
4. Too late
Haifai   (12.03.10)
Sorry Mr. President. You are too late. From my house it looks like the fire is under control, thanks to the quick action from Greece.
5. It's Good To Send Help
Mark of Lewiston ,   Lewiston USA   (12.03.10)
There is a lot of firefighting expertise and equipment that the USFS has, especially in the West. They have lots of experience in urban and rural and wilderness areas. Fire jumpers and aircraft and aerial water and chemical bombardment is tricky stuff.
6. Oh Hussein - did you give the green light to this arson ?
Jaacov Baumann   (12.03.10)
One day we will know, for sure ! What we already know today is that BHO willo not last much longer - Israels God willl remove this enemy of the jewish people! '' He who curses Israel will be cursed!''
7. To: No. 5 I'm so proud to be an American!
Sarah B ,   U.S.A. / Israel   (12.03.10)
8. Mayor Bloomie feelin' guilty
Tel Aviv Daromi ,   Israel   (12.03.10)
OK, so Mayor Bloomberg was instrumental in dispatching help to Israel, perhaps to atone for his brown-nosing the GZM characters and becoming known as NY's first Dhimmi Mayor? As for Prez Hussein, what was that drivel he spewed about "friends?" Yeah, he and Clinton are some friends, thanks but no thanks. While you both are looking for Israel s to bow down to your generous gestures, the Greeks are already here, without big fanfare, quietly landing early this AM.
9. Obama
Ricardo Macher ,   Karnei Shomron IL   (12.03.10)
This is how Obama acts always no matter in what. Talks a lot and does nothing! Greece already sent helicopters without making noise, even NYC is working to help. Obama is looking to be seen as magnificent!
10. disgraceful - ungracious, ungrateful , insulting
NOT Israel   (12.03.10)
most of the talkbacks from Israelis regarding the help offered by other countries are an utter disgrace
11.  Late Help?
David ,   West Palm Beach, FL   (12.03.10)
I think that Americans have a slightly longer trip to make than do the Greeks. Not to minimize the Greeks' contributions.
12. kol hakavod!
pini   (12.03.10)
13. if we are friends why did the mayor of NY help not the presi
zionist forever   (12.03.10)
" The United States is acting to help our Israeli friends respond to the disaster of course thats what friends do for each other " He is right friends help each other but he is an enemy and hasn't pretended to be anything but an enemy for the past two years. Why did it take so long for the president of the United States to even respond with a speech? No speeches or pledges of help from even a junior member of the State Department before now. Within hours countries in east and western Europe sent help. Even Turkey & Egypt sent firefighting planes and they are not exactly our best buddies. The US is supposed to be our best friend and they are the last to offer anything. What makes it even worse is the fact the initiative to send help came from the Mayor of New York and not the president. Michael Bloomberg pledges to assist om anyway possible Obama just offers condolences to the families of the dead at a ceremonial menorah lighting ( make sure the jewish voters know the US is sending help ) Israel has nothing to thank the US government for only the mayor of New York and the countries that were so quick to respond with their offers of help.
14. To # 11 David
Ricardo Macher ,   Karnei Shomron IL   (12.03.10)
The flight is MUCH longer if you don't start it!!!! That's your real president, a talker, not a doer. We don't need you nor your compassion. Worry about Israel and not about Obama´s image!
15. Yanks to the rescue!
Cameron ,   USA   (12.03.10)
As always, when serious problems arise, the Americans arrive to help deal with it. As you live on sandy stretch of land, we are happy to help with real expertise in dealing with forest firefighting. Done deal.
16. While knowing full well how much help is need, I'd rather
Jehudah Ben-Israel ,   Qatzrin, Israel   (12.03.10)
had Obama accept Israel's RIGHT to exist as THE NATION-STATE OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE. You see, the Land of Israel, including the Carmel and the residents of the country are dear, very dear to me, and I am obviously thankful to anyone who offers assistance in this disaster we are experiencing. But this is by far less important than the very existence of our national home as the nation-state of the Jewish people, and to date, Mr. Obama has refused to even accept the concept of a "two-states for two-peoples". P.S. "Two-state solution" IS NOT a "two-states for two-peoples"!!!
17. 11
zionist forever   (12.03.10)
Whilst we are grateful for what has been sent why did it take so long to get any statement from Obama and why is it that the help that is on its way from the US was sent by the mayor of New York and not the president? The US probably has the best kit in and some of the most experienced people in the world but the actual government has offered nothing only 1 individual state. Obama is trying to take the credit for Michael Bloomberg's actions.
18. After the earthquake in Haiti Israel arrived there first,
Rina ,   Rechovot, Israel   (12.03.10)
before all others, to assist the population there, many thousands of miles away! Is it possible the US has learnt something from Israel in this regard?
19. thank you all! god bless you
victoria agron ,   haifa   (12.03.10)
20. #10 Disgracious, Obama is
Yossef   (12.03.10)
waiting hours after the small Greece, Bulgaria, and the small Cyprus sent help, Obama sent words.
21. #11, 6 hours
Yossef   (12.03.10)
22. 18
zionist forever   (12.03.10)
Michael Bloomberg might have learned something from it but Obama hasn't. The mayor of New York took it upon himself to send aid. Obama took it upon himself to do what he does best and spew hot air and take no action.
23. You people are all insane.
Rob ,   London, UK   (12.03.10)
Most US firefighting equipment is located on the West Coast, which is 15 hours plus refueling away from Israel. The fire started 24 hours ago and they've already mobilized planes. Chill out. It is amazing how some people are so blinded by their irrational hatred of President Obama that they will blame him for the fact that California is not an hour away from Israel. I assume that tomorrow you will be blaming Obama for sending US planes that land in Israel on Shabbat? What an ungrateful bunch of idiots. If I were an American and read these comments, I'd shudder in disgust.
24. #23 You missed the point. Nobody is talking about arrival of
Harry Wright ,   UK   (12.03.10)
aid. We are talking about timely public acknowledgment of the crisis and verbal assurances of help. This president waited for an "opportune moment" - Chanukah candle-light ceremony at the White House - to make a political statement for his benefit. A friend does not wait for the "right occasion" to speak words of comfort and concern in a time of crisis. Haven't you noticed? Even Turkey rushed forward to get in their two cents worth while there was silence from the White House. This incident speaks volumes about Obama's attitude to Israel, his "everything is about me" arrogance and his preoccupation with self-promotion. People are convinced by actions, not words. “Of course, that's what friends do for each other." Why the flippancy or even sarcasm at this time? I'll tell you one thing - if the disaster had taken place in the WB or any Arab territory for that matter, his voice would have been the first to be heard. I'll tell you another thing. The world looks for sound leadership from the US. Well, it definitely is not there under this self-absorbed, narcissistic and even vicious and spiteful bully of a president. It will not surprise me if his aid is contingent on striking a deal - aid with the fire for a 3 month freeze on construction. You may have full confidence in the integrity of this president, but there are many out there who don't and are not at all impressed nor inspired by him. But this incident takes the cake.
25. Call Governor Perry
Cindy ,   Texas   (12.03.10)
When wild fires burned 1 million acres near where I live, Governor Rick Perry deployed the Texas Forest Service. They, along with fire departments from all over Texas and the United States, were able to stop the fire within a couple of days. I am saddened by the loss of lives. Long may the apple of God's eye shine bright.
26. #24
Mat ,   USA   (12.03.10)
"everything is about me" arrogance and his preoccupation with self-promotion. I don't know if Obama fits that description or not , but foreigners who read the talkbacks on Ynet would probably agree that most of the Israelis who post comments on Ynet fit that description to a T.
27. # 23
Birdi ,   Israel   (12.03.10)
alas Obama will not be sending any planes & if I were you I'd send condolences & support to the citizens of Israel. This is no time to chide us.
28. We are still waiting US help
Yossef   (12.04.10)
Finally it is good for us גם זו לטובה we can see clearly, not by words but by acts, who are our real friends. And surprisingly, Turkey is one of them. Warm thanks to all of them.
29. What are you talking about?
Rob ,   London, UK   (12.04.10)
#24: This was the first public speech he gave since the fire began--and he gave it less than 24 hours after the fire began. When else was he supposed to speak? Was he supposed to commander national TV time to express his condolences? Please. It's easy to criticize someone if you set crazy expectations, and it's even easier if you're consumed by hatred. #27: The planes are on the way. You are blinded only by what you don't want to believe.
30. Thanks to New York for Standing Up
Yvonne Butler ,   Opp, ALABAMA USA   (12.04.10)
Obama's words of condolances are just words of air. He does this every time he opens his mouth. Please do not judge the American people by the president. I am sure many people urged him to send help but HE LISTENS TO NO ONE. Hopefully we will not have to listen to him when election time comes up and he is voted out. The Christian communities of the US send our sorrow and our prayers. We wish we could send more. Please do not judge us by the President. We already pray daily for "the peace of Isreal" as commanded in His Holy Word.We now also pray for your safety and healing both physical and spiritual. God Bless You All
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