Social agency answers appeal for humanitarian help as Israel fights wildfire
Social agency answers appeal for humanitarian help as Israel fights wildfire
04 Dezember 2010
published by www.examiner.com
Israel — At a time when thousands of people plan to travel to Israel from the Midwest and around the globe for Christmas and the winter school break, the country is reeling from the worst fire in its history.
Believed to have been started at a campsite, the fire is closing roads, consuming more than 10,000 acres and threatening lives and homes near Haifa. Israel officials say the fires are difficult to contain due to high winds, dry brush and mountain terrain.
Firefighters and equipment from several countries have responded to Israels pleas for assistance. However, the country that is often among the first on the scene to help in other nations’ times of emergency, is now asking for help.
Several Jewish social agencies have set up funds where people can send donations. Among them is Bnai Brith International, headquartered in Washington D.C. with regional offices across the United States including Chicago.
As Isreal suffers from the worst fire in the nation’s history, B’nai B’rith International has opened its Israel Emergency Fund to raise money to relieve the human suffering and property losses of this catastrophe, said BBI Chairman of the Executive Allan Jacobs, Chicago.
While we are encouraged by the response of countries such as the United States, Eqypt, Turkey, Russia, Greece, Spain, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Coatia and many more, we are asking for donations from the American Public,” Jacobs said.
He added, “B’nai B’rith together with IsraAid, the Israel Aid Agency have been there for other countries suffering disasters with humanitarian aid, most recently with one of the first field hospitals in Haiti. During this holiday season we ask for support.”
