The
delegation left for the Philippines on Wednesday, November 13, 2013, in order
to provide search, rescue, and medical services in typhoon-struck areas of the
Philippines. They are expected to arrive in Cebu City via the Cebu-Mactan International
airport at 8:45AM on November 14.
The $4
million medical facility will be constructed of a children’s department, an
obstetrics department, an ambulatory care department, and a general ward,
operated by Israeli doctors, nurses and health workers.
Israeli
Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Menashe Bar On said Israel is ready to help
its friend in their time of need. "At this moment, our urgent task is to extend help
to the Philippine government and the Filipino people."
In
addition to a humanitarian mission, senior Israeli officials sent their
condolences to Philippine President Benigno Simeon Aquino III.
In his
official letter, Israeli President Shimon Peres wrote that Israel is "following
with much concern the horrifying effects of the storm and hope that the aid
provided by the State of Israel will help ease the suffering of the people of
the Philippines."
Meanwhile,
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman sent his sympathies to his Filipino
counterpart, Albert Del Rosario.
The
medical facility is expected to treat thousands of those who are dealing with
injuries caused by the typhoon, and will be bringing ease to those currently
struggling.
A
similar facility was established during in Haiti and Turkey when they were
struck by earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, respectively.