A contingent of 14 Israeli police officers will soon leave for Haiti at the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist in maintaining public order on the island for the next few months.
The move is Israel’s response to the United Nation’s call on member nations to extend aid to Haiti following the tremendous earthquake that struck the island in January.
Israel’s present gesture is an expression of its desire to contribute its experience and professional expertise, particularly after the successful mission of an Israeli policewoman who served for nine months in the UN peacekeeping force in Georgia.
The Israeli police officers will work in Haiti next to the Italian police force, which will provide the Israeli officers with logistical support.
In recent months, the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Israel Police have been in contact with the UN Department of Peace-keeping Operations and the Italian government and police force in order to advance this mission.
It will be recalled that, shortly after the earthquake struck Haiti, Israel sent a field hospital and an evacuation and rescue team to the island.
George Deek
Deputy Head of Mission