An Israeli delegation specialized in search and rescue arrived in Venezuela to assist in recovery efforts following the multiple earthquakes that shook the South American country last week, resulting in fatalities, hundreds of injuries, and widespread destruction in several regions.
The team consists of 16 rescuers, along with specialists from the Israeli company Magen – Disaster & Emergency Management, the organization Ready for Rescue, and the NGO SmartAID, all with extensive experience in responding to natural disasters around the world.
After landing in the city of Valencia, the mission began working in coordination with local forces to locate possible survivors among the rubble, participate in rescue operations, and provide humanitarian assistance to the most affected populations.
Images of the destruction following the earthquakes in Venezuela
Members of the delegation described the level of destruction as "exceptionally severe". According to their initial assessment, numerous buildings collapsed or suffered significant structural damage, while basic infrastructure was also severely affected, complicating emergency tasks and access to some of the hardest-hit areas.
International response continues to grow as the magnitude of the tragedy becomes known. The head of EU diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, reported that the European bloc mobilized approximately five million euros in emergency aid to assist affected communities.
In a message posted on social media platform X, she expressed the "full solidarity" of the European Union with the Venezuelan people and conveyed her condolences to the families of the victims.
Meanwhile, the Venezuelan Jewish community launched an extraordinary fundraising campaign to address the most urgent needs of its members affected by the disaster.
The Committee of Jewish Communities of Venezuela set an initial goal of raising two million dollars. During the first hours of the campaign, 176,000 dollars had already been raised to provide assistance to the affected families.
According to a member of the Jewish community in Caracas, around 80 families completely lost their homes, while another 200 fear returning to their houses due to the risk of collapses or new seismic movements. The community is providing shelter, food, and basic assistance to all of them.
In a public statement, community leaders noted that rabbis, professionals, and volunteers have been working tirelessly since the earthquake occurred to assist the affected and respond to a growing number of emergencies.
"We need them. Every donation can mean the difference between life and death", they stated in their call for solidarity, as rescue efforts continue and concern grows for the humanitarian needs of thousands of people who remain homeless.
