The Government of the State of Israel has dispatched a medical delegation, comprising two doctors and a Homefront Command officer, to Japan to assist in handling casualties and refugees of the recent Tsunami in that country. The team which left Israel on Monday is a precursor to a full-scale medical delegation due to leave for Japan shortly.
The Israeli team will be located in the Miyagi prefecture, about six hours north of Tokyo, which was hardest hit by the Tsunami. The team will establish a medical clinic geared to handle the casualties and refugees concentrated in the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Israeli Embassy in Tokyo will facilitate the dispatch of the team, and will also coordinate communications between the Japanese authorities and the IDF Homefront Command.
In conjunction with the Japanese authorities and according to requirements of the Japanese National Disaster Center, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense will dispatch a consignment consisting of ten thousand coats, six thousand blankets, six thousand pairs of gloves and 150 mobile toilets,.
Over the past few days, the Foreign Ministry has worked with the Japanese authorities to determine a list of the most necessary items. The Japanese authorities noted that Israel will be one of the first countries to provide aid in accordance with their requirements.
While other countries sent planeloads of equipment, they did not consult with the Japanese regarding specific requirements. The Japanese also noted Israeli efficiency and flexibility in determining the list of items that would be shipped to Japan.
Tony Obiechina
Media & Political Officer