I am so, so sorry for the great loss of your loved sons killed in our Christchurch earthquake. We have just come together as a Nation and held a two minute silence sharing together with tears for the grief of our Christchurch people and those from other Countries caught up in this terrible tragedy. Our first funeral service was held yesterday, a beautiful five month old little boy. We love your young people visiting New Zealand and I have many friends hosting them with love and it is overwhelming that this has happened to your families and friends while in our land. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy, we really do care.

In this SAD story about the death of Israelis, ynet REPEATS the point about "New Zealand's polite refusal of Israel's initial offer for help". But it does NOT state its source and none of the 3 NZ news websites I visited carry the news. So what/who is the ANONYMOUS source?

May Hashem ease the pain of the familes. May their memory be a blessing..

Thank you Israel for sending help and teams to Christchurch. I am very sorry for the young men who died, may God comfort their families.

may they both rest in peace and be protected by god forever and ever.

G-d bless their souls.

Sincerest condolences are extended to the families following their tragic losses. May those who died rest in peace.

NZ accepted search and rescue teams from China, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, Australia, USA and UK but declined search and rescue teams from Israel, Canada, India, Italy, Indonesia and the EU. NZ never refused other forms of aid from Israel or anyone else. Ynet has distorted the story. I'm not sure why.

please let all understand. Love these children who lost their lives on foreign soil. they are all OUR children!

Ja! when there is a catastrophe Israel is suddenly loved. Well here's ONE who dislikes not being Jewish. I admire these people like 'never-before'. They have beautiful hearts. Somebody please tell me another race of people who will uphold the Jewish race.

those innocents who perished in the Christchurch earthquake.

the sudden loss of life from the earthquake is hart wrenching... condolences to all

Your kind words have touched my heart. I thank you for your hospitality, and for your kind treatment of my people both in this time of sorrow and in everyday life. I am sending you my condolences for the people you have lost. God bless you all in New Zealand. May you know no more sorrow.

So so sorry to hear this horrible news about our two boys (three in fact). It could have been our children. I prayed they would be found alive, and safe. My prayers for their families here in Israel, and praying for all victims of this devastation and their families.

Condoleances to the family and friends.

Much appreciated the info :-) I am puzzled too why Ynet did not provide the complete picture.

Your opinion that NZ declined Israeli USAR teams must be a conclusion reached from reading Israeli media. As CK Tan says, the story about refusing Israeli help has not been reported in NZ media until today. Its only appearing now because the issue was raised by Israeli papers.

Thanks for the clarification! I guess only Ynet really knows what's going on re the NZ refusal news. I've to Christchurch many years ago and stayed at the YHA near to the city centre and close by to a huge park. Love the unhurried atmosphere and friendly folks. I was pretty sad over the 1st quake and now am devastated by the huge loss of lives at this latest one. I hope and pray that the people of Christchurch and all the families of those who died will overcome the pain and loss over time.