Special Alert: Worst Fire in Israel’s History
One of the worst fires in the history of Israel has now been extinguished. Forty-two people died. The Carmel Hospital was evacuated. Families had to flee their homes. Foresters and IDF soldiers fought the blaze side by side with the Israel Firefighters, every one of whom was mobilized to combat the blaze.
“This disaster represents a fire of unprecedented proportions for the people of Israel and presents an enormous challenge for Israel’s Fire and Rescue Services,” said Shimon Romach, Israel’s Fire Commissioner. “While we are strongly committed to confronting this with all our country’s available resources, the scope of this incident means our rescue services are in need of support from the international community at this time.”
You can send donations to (list in formation):
American Friends of Magen David Adam
The Society For Protection of Nature in Israel
Jewish Federations of North America
Ve'Ahavta: Canadian Jewish Humanitarian Relief
Fire Response Fund of the New Israel Fund
Some Background to the Current Drought and Relief Efforts:
Ynet- Fire fully extinguished (Dec 8, 2010)
Haaretz: Zafrir Rinat environmental columns
Information on relief activities of the humanitarian community