One of the many stereotypes of Israel is that it gets things done... quickly and efficiently. And in comparison to the bureaucratic snafus of the US trying to get aid to Haiti, the Israelis have been absolute heroes. Here is one description of the CNN video (see below, h/t Judith):
While the USA is trapped in its sluggish first responding actions… the Israelis, quietly, with only one objective in mind, to immediately engage in saving lives, immediately opened fully equipped, even with imaging machine, field hospital that puts to shame the medical facility the USA opened there...watch what the US doctor tells the interviewer...
And by the way, where are the oil rich Arab countries and their help? Where is their contribution? I did not hear of any! I did not see one rescuing team from one of the 22-Arab countries arrive in Haiti. But they will [probably] blame the Israelis for stealing Haitians organs.
And here is more (from Daily Alert):
- Israel: Sending Soldiers of Peace to Haiti - Batsheva Sobelman When devastation struck Haiti, Israel quickly dispatched its professional military relief team including evacuation and recovery experts aided by dogs from the canine unit and an extensive medical delegation that quickly deployed its fully operational field hospital in the soccer field of Port-au-Prince - complete with surgeons and all, and a technical division that set up a communications and Internet network for coordination and video-conferencing with medical colleagues back home. The international press is also using the IDF network, as most other communications are down. The doctors' main problem is fatigue; they're working around the clock. (Los Angeles Times)
- See also Israeli Field Hospital Only Facility Able to Perform Complex Surgery - Yitzhak Benhorin On Monday, U.S. media praised the assistance in Haiti provided by Israel, and one reporter even sent a letter of thanks to Israeli representatives in New York. CNN reported that Israel's field hospital is the one facility equipped with all that is required for surgical operations. Doctors from various aid missions are sending patients requiring surgery to Israel's hospital, particularly those whose condition is critical. Other field hospitals contain no more than stretcher beds and medical teams who administer first aid, and they are not prepared for complex surgery. ABC reported that the U.S. had sent staff for a field hospital, but they had still not received the instruments required for surgery. (Ynet News)
- See also IDF Sends More Hospital Staff and Medicine to Haiti - Yaakov Katz and Judy Siegel A second IDF delegation left Israel on Monday to assist the ongoing relief efforts in Haiti. Since opening on Saturday, the IDF Medical Corps field hospital has treated 200 wounded, performed 25 life-saving surgeries and facilitated three births. (Jerusalem Post)