Israel offers hospital, forensic experts and prayers to US

Jerusalem Post ^ | 9/4/5 | HERB KEINON

[SmithL]

Eager to show the US that Israel cares, Jerusalem is offering the US a field hospital, forensic experts and even organized prayer in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, diplomatic officials said Sunday.

According to the officials, Jerusalem is still waiting for a response from Washington whether it has need for an IDF field hospital to be set up in areas hit by the Hurricane, or whether the US can use Israeli forensic specialists expert in identifying bodies.

Israel experts, according to officials in Jerusalem, gained valuable experience identifying flood victims during January's tsunami when a team of experts was sent to Thailand.

Beyond sending concrete aid, a number of other ideas to show that Israel cares about the tragedy that has befallen its closest ally were raised in a Foreign Ministry meeting Sunday. One idea was to turn to the Chief Rabbinate to have special prayers recited in the country's synagogues on Shabbat on behalf of the victims of the hurricane.

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, meanwhile, told the cabinet Sunday that a delegation of defense and health ministry officials would go to the US this week to coordinate ways in which Israel could help the hurricane relief efforts there. The officials are to meet with representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Sharon, who opened up the cabinet meeting by sending condolences in the name of Israel to the US, said "the US has stood by our side during the most difficult days, and it is our obligation to help it in the areas where we are able to assist."

"I want to reiterate my condolences. We will do everything in our power to render assistance in the difficult situation in which so many American citizens find themselves," Sharon said.

Meanwhile, officials in Jerusalem said that the massive, multi-billion dollar rebuilding effort that will be necessary for New Orleans and other areas effected by the hurricane will likely alter Israel's tactics in trying to win some $2.2 billion in disengagement related aid to develop the Negev and the Galilee.

Talks on this aid package have been taking place for weeks.

One official in Jerusalem said that Israel will now have to take into consideration the US domestic situation – as well as US President George W. Bush's new political problems – before formally asking for the assistance.

"Now is obviously not the time to go to Washington to talk about this," one official said. "It is too early to tell how this will effect us, but there will obviously be ramifications, such as how this will negatively impact Bush."

Earlier on Sunday, the United States asked the European Union and NATO for emergency assistance, requesting blankets, first aid kits, water trucks and food for the victims of Katrina, the two organizations said Sunday.

EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said the 25-nation bloc was "ready to contribute to the U.S. efforts aimed at alleviating the humanitarian crisis" in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama - the American states hardest hit by Katrina.

The 26-nation NATO alliance said it too had received a request for aid from Washington. The United States has asked for NATO relief support in the form of food rations for the thousands of people evacuated from New Orleans and other areas, the alliance said in a statement.

US authorities had requested 500,000 prepared meals, thousands of blankets, first aid kits and several water trucks to provide clean drinking water.

Over 12,000 national guardsmen and army personnel were in the area to aid in the rescue efforts and to return law and order to a violence-ridden New Orleans after municipal and law enforcement services were shut down in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Unofficial estimates of the number of dead throughout the Gulf States rose to over 10,000. The storm was quickly followed by widespread flooding throughout the city of New Orleans and along the Mississippi delta.

[SmithL]

Shalom

[Slings and Arrows]

Israel offers hospital, forensic experts and prayers to US

Always nice to have help from the professionals. Tohdah rahbah.

[battlegearboat]

And Hail Marys back to them for peace.

[hope]

G-d Bless Israel!

[CarrotAndStick]

Role reversal? India offers armymen to US!

Qatar Offers $100 Million in Hurricane Aid

EXCERPTS:

...Apart from a $5 million contribution to the American Red Cross, India has offered to fly across Army medical teams to New Orleans. Army, rather than civilian, relief teams are being offered keeping in view the worsening law and order situation in the city...

...India reckons water purification will be urgently required in a city where contamination would be rife, causing water-borne diseases. As a leading producer of bulk drugs, India is sending across a large consignment of medicines...

...Qatar pledged $100 million in humanitarian assistance Saturday to help Americans recover from Hurricane Katrina, heading a list of more than a dozen countries joining an outpouring of support...

[Hila]

Israel is always a blessing, all that the Jewish people have contributed to the world in the science field, the arts, medicine, etc. thoughout history. And extend a hand to the American government that is forcing them to give up their land. Like we here would be forced to give up a state for the needy terrorists?????? Todah rabah indeed and we pray for the peace of Yerusalayim.

[Cathy]

Israel - truly our friend.

[Salem]

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A student told his professor he was going to "Palestine" to "fight for freedom, peace and justice,"—Orwellian leftist code words that mean "murder Jews."

Donate to the Hurricane Katrina Relief effort.

[Marine_Uncle]

Thanks Israel.

[anonymoussierra]

THANK YOU ALL THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

[anonymoussierra]

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“Thank you dear Israel thank you so much.”

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Amen!!!!!!!

[Salvation]

BTTT!

Good news.

[Kimmers]

People within our government and the democratic party have turned their back on Israel but they have not turned their back on us.....God bless them

[bethtopaz]

He who curses Israel I will curse; he who blesses Israel I will bless." (Old Testament)

Israel -- our friend.

[derllak]

Thank you, Israel, for your kind assistance and prayers for our hurricane victims! It means a lot to know you care!

[rdb3]

Israel, sholem aleykham. A sheynem dank.

If you want a Google GMail account, FReepmail me.

[M. Espinola]

G-d protect Israel.

[Ciexyz]

Their help is much appreciated. Kudos to all involved.

[primrose]

Amen to that,She is always ready to help in time of need...BLESSINGS TO OUR FREND ISRAEL....

[tessalu]

G-d bless Israel and all of it's people. Thanks for caring.