Sri Lankan officials have rejected Israel's offer of trained relief workers following the tsunami tragedy. According to Joshua Mitnick's article in the Washington Times, 'A 150-member Israeli military delegation had been just hours from taking off in an air force plane when the mission was scrapped unexpectedly. Israel ultimately sent a plane with 80 tons of medical supplies, food and emergency equipment to the disaster-stricken country. An Israeli Foreign Ministry official denied Israeli press reports that Sri Lanka had bristled at accepting aid from the Israeli military. "The reason that was given was that they were overflowing with [emergency] crews, and what they really need was the supplies and equipment," David Saranga, a Foreign Ministry spokesman, told Channel 1 television news.' Some observers were reminded of the Iranian regime's refusal to allow Israeli rescue workers into Iran, following the earthquake in Bam last year. Further information will be posted as it becomes available. Thanks to Gila and all who brought this to my attention.
In a related story, Israeli aid goes unreported by the MSM, according to this communique from Honest Reporting. Thanks to Gila (again) and Rabbi Melman for the link. Among the invisible aid from Israel:
● The Israeli organization Latet ('To Give') filled a jumbo jet with 18 tons of supplies.
● A medical team headed by four doctors from Jerusalem's Hadassah Hospital arrived in Sri Lanka on Monday night (Dec. 27), carrying medicine and baby food. The doctors specialize in rescue operations, trauma and pediatrics.
● An IDF rescue team is now on its way to Sri Lanka with 80 tons of aid material, including 10,000 blankets, tents, nylon sheeting and water containers, all contributed by the IDF.
● A ZAKA rescue-and-recovery team arrived in the disaster areas Monday night, armed with its specialized equipment for identifying bodies.
● A Health Ministry contingent left for Thailand on Monday night to aid in rescue efforts. The group includes doctors, nurses and four members of the IDF.
● Israel has also offered its assistance to India ― a search-and-rescue team from the Home Front Command, as well as consignments of food and medicine.
Dreams Into Lightning will follow this story as more information becomes available.
