Assistance to Tsunami Survivors

The Latet aid delegation returned from Sri Lanka after providing assistance, on behalf of the citizens of Israel, to people who suffered from the disaster.  We are now reviewing options for further activities in the near future.

The delegation was comprised of Prof. Eli Schwartz, Uri Hakak, Aviv Podeh and Rani Sela – all volunteers, as well as Ra’anan Amir – Head of Foreign Department and Eran Weintraub – General Manager of Latet.

Cooperative ventures achieved with international humanitarian organizations include: UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), SRCS (Sri Lanka Red Cross Society), OCHA (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs), UNDP (United Nations Development Program), CNO (Center for National Operations) in Sri Lanka and CHA (Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies) in Sri Lanka.

The aid provided in Sri Lanka included 50 tons of medication, medical equipment and basic equipment, such as water, water purification pills, blankets, nylon sheets, cookware and silverware, water jugs and more.  In addition, we sent 25 tons of medication to Indonesia, a donation made by Teva Pharmaceuticals.

Who received the aid? – Refugees, members of the Tamili tribe, the Adampode refugee camp in northeastern Sri Lanka.  In addition, school children were given items required for the beginning of the school year and two hospitals were provided with medical equipment and medication.

Who enabled the aid? – Donating citizens, volunteers and the following companies: El Al (donating the transportation of goods and flight tickets), Flying Cargo, Maman, Teva Pharmaceuticals, CheckPoint, The Ted Arison Foundation (Israel), Aladdin, ComSec, Taro, Neviot, Mei Eden, Carmit, IDF Technology and Logistics Division, Concept, S.R.E.L., PlastoSac, Unilever Israel and the Sri Lankan national airline.

Value of the provided aid and donations (money, equipment and services): Over $300,000.

The civil aid afforded through Latet on behalf of Israeli citizens is the greatest ever granted.  By carrying out this operation, we are fulfilling the mission of the organization, “helping needy populations in Israel and around the world, on a universal and egalitarian basis” and demonstrating the fact that need knows no borders.

See article (“Teva HaDvarim”, February 2005)

Continuation project:

	Restoring a village in Sri Lanka or establishing a permanent camp for hundreds of families: this project fulfills the acute need for housing for displaced families, providing them with proper living conditions.
	The medical infrastructures along the shores were severely damaged and new clinics are required as are contributions of medication and medical equipment.

Public contributions are welcome to a dedicated bank account – Emergency Aid Abroad: 12-609-200803.