Despite the devastating loss of life, miracles have emerged from the rubble of Port-au-Prince.
Even a week after the Jan. 12 earthquake, survivors have been rescued, thanks to teams from around the world.
One of the narratives to come out of Haiti is Israel’s heroic role there. Israel, a nation of 7.5 million people, sent a team of 250 search-and-rescue and medical personnel, 10 tons of equipment, and officials from IsraAid, who are helping with everything from orphan adoptions to post-quake reconstruction.
Also on the ground are teams from Magen David Adom (Israel’s Red Cross) and ZAKA, one of the most experienced disaster rescue outfits in the country.
A disaster of this magnitude in a poor country like Haiti is bound to produce chaos and suffering long after the ground stops shaking. Thankfully Israel, with its smart planning and expertise, has provided a world-class rescue effort.
Israel established the most sophisticated field hospital currently operating in the Haitian capital. Erected in a soccer stadium, that hospital is saving lives. So far Israeli medics have treated more than 2,000 people, performed dozens of surgeries and delivered three babies, one of them named Israel by his grateful mother.
The media have taken notice. CNN, for example, has run several stories about the Israeli effort in Haiti, including coverage of that field hospital and its state-of-the-art equipment. And in every shot, the Israeli flag sewn onto workers’ epaulets shines bright.
Right now nothing is more important than saving lives. However, we cannot help but exult in this good press for Israel. With the media normally saturated with bad news out of the Middle East, it is refreshing to see Israel portrayed in such a good light.
This is Israel’s true light. As in previous disasters, such as the 2001 earthquakes in India and Turkey, Israel has been one of the most generous nations when it comes to aid and assistance.
Some cynics may predict that the glow of Israel’s good deeds in Haiti will soon fade, and the world will return to its normal what-have-you-done-for-me-lately mode.
We hope not. With the world watching Israelis day after day doing the heavy lifting, saving lives, giving so selflessly, how can people not be impressed? At the very least, people should wonder whether a country capable of such heroism is likewise capable of the offenses Israel’s enemies would have them believe.
Haitian President Rene Preval this week offered thanks to Israel for helping in his country’s hour of need. So do we.