Mr./Madam Chairperson,
On the occasion of the 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, allow me to convey a message of support for the important work done by the ICRC, the IFRC and by the Movement, not only in delivering vital humanitarian assistance to the places where it is needed, but also in fostering a much-needed dialogue between the relevant stakeholders. The conversation we have been having these past few days has been successful in bringing together the many different voices of States and national societies, in an attempt to find common ground on how to advance our common humanitarian mission.
This is the true power of humanity, to bridge the gaps that exist between different points of view, and create the necessary foundations that enable us to cope better with the mounting challenges of humanitarian action.
Israel’s approach to humanitarian questions draws to a large extent on the age-old Jewish concept of “Tikkun Olam”, or mending the world. This idea means that it is each person's responsibility to take action and make the world a better place. It is this philosophy that guides us in lending a helping hand to those in need near and far, and it is what has made Israel such a reliable partner in emergency response.
The humanitarian relief operations program of 
MASHAV, Israel’s agency for international development cooperation, are constantly being adapted to changing realities and shifting vulnerabilities. The sharing of know-how is a key component in Israel’s humanitarian action, with a special focus on the training of medical teams in emergency and disaster medicine. Theoretical training is accompanied by practical simulation exercises, and Israeli humanitarian relief has been extended to over 140 countries in all corners of the globe.
We will continue to work together with the ICRC, the IFRC, and other partners, in particular our National Society, in helping to do Tikkun Olam.
In this vein, beside the medical and emergency work I mentioned, we have a moral responsibility to ensure the safe return of missing persons, and I would like to take this opportunity to recall those Israeli civilians and soldiers who are being held incommunicado, against their will, by a non-state armed group. Two soldiers, Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul, both abducted in violation of a ceasefire, and two Israeli civilians, Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, are currently unaccounted for and their whereabouts are unknown.
I would like to take this opportunity to commend the ICRC for their important role in advancing the cause of missing persons, and urge the international community to continue to strive to address this crucial humanitarian issue, which has recently been highlighted with 
UN Security Council resolution 2474.
Thank you very much.