By Sarah Pate
MANILA, Philippines - An Israeli medical team has joined Operation Blessing's relief efforts to reach victims still reeling from the devastation caused by two recent typhoons.
Last weekend, six volunteer doctors, nurses and paramedics with the Israeli organization, IsraAID, arrived in the Philippines to assist OBI with their ongoing medical missions.
As explained by the organization's founder, Shachar Zahav, IsraAID is an umbrella organization of 17 Jewish organizations that provide humanitarian aid to developing countries.
"The Jewish people and Israel have a special corner in our heart when we see poor people or people in big trouble," Elad Seker, team leader, said. "It's like in the DNA or something."
In one day, teams treated more than 300 women, children and elderly victims, often traveling by boat to reach isolated residents.
Over the next two weeks, teams plan to visit affected communities in Metro Manila and Northern Luzon.
To date, OB Philippines disaster relief teams have reached more than 138,000 typhoon victims with emergency relief such as food, water, medical care and cleanup assistance.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help by making an online donation toward OBI's disaster relief efforts. With your support, we can continue to provide emergency relief and recovery.
