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(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Foreign Media Adviser)
 
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett attended the Ben-Gurion International Airport departure ceremony for the Israeli aid delegation that will establish a field hospital in Ukraine, this morning (Monday, 21 March 2022).
 
Also in attendance were Minister of Foreign Affairs Yair Lapid, coalition chairperson MK Idit Silman, Health Ministry Director General Prof. Nahman Ash, Chaim Sheba Medical Center Director Prof. Yitshak Kreiss, Schusterman Family Foundation Chairperson Stacy Schusterman, Clalit Health Services Chairman Harel Locker, El Al Chairman Amikam Ben-Tzvi, El Al CEO Avigal Sorek, the medical team and members of the delegation.
 
The hospital was established with an investment of approximately NIS 21 million and is due to meet the medical needs for dozens of patients on a daily basis.
 
Prime Minister Bennett:
 
"This is a very special morning. I am very moved and happy to be here this morning, together with my friend, the Foreign Minister, to send on its way the aid delegation that will establish a field hospital in western Ukraine.
 
“Over the past week, all of the wonderful partners here – the Foreign Ministry, the Health Ministry, Sheba and Schneider hospitals and the Schusterman Family Foundation – have been really working around the clock so that this initiative could happen and be under way.
 
“There have been several obstacles on the way, but we overcame them.
 
“It is important for me to point out:
 
“Israel has been extending its hand to render assistance in the crisis in Ukraine for several weeks now, from the very first moment – in various ways.
 
“We are managing this unfortunate crisis with sensitivity, generosity and responsibility, while maintaining a balance between the various factors – and they are complex.
 
“From the very first days, we dispatched assistance planes with many tons of medical equipment, medicine and other things. We are absorbing olim here, those who are eligible under the Law of Return, and those who are not. Fifteen thousand Ukrainians have already entered the State of Israel. We are opening our doors until the storm passes, in order to give them relief.
 
“Precisely this morning, I want to state as clearly as possible: The people of Israel and the Israeli public can be proud of the contribution and the assistance of the State of Israel to the citizens of Ukraine. Be proud of all the actions that the State of Israel is doing: Shipments of medicine, establishing a field hospital, actions in other areas – there are not many countries acting on such a scale.
 
“Israel has the ability and the tools to extend assistance to civilians in the area you will be in, just south of the main highway from Ukraine toward Poland. It is reasonable that you will see refugees that left their homes with very little a few days or weeks before, in the cold, after long and wearying days with considerable emotional difficulties. Beyond the regular medical assistance, an embrace and strength must also be given. The refugee phenomenon is very difficult indeed.
 
“I would like to thank you. It is clear to me that you will take the initiative there in the field. It is clear to me that you will find various ways – that you had not thought of previously – to render assistance. If you need to go out to certain places, do so. It is important to me to welcome you back whole and healthy.
 
“We are here – the Foreign Ministry, the Foreign Minister, the Government of Israel. We are at your disposal day and night, for any issue or problem, 24 hours a day. Do not hesitate to call; the delegation leaders know this.
 
“On behalf of the Government of Israel and the Israeli public – I would like to thank you. We love you very much."