Port-au-Prince, Haiti — “Tell me please, what day is it? Is it Wednesday?” whispered Franz Gilles, laying in his bed at the field hospital.
“No, it is Saturday,” the Israeli doctor standing next to him replied.
Gilles seemed baffled. He turned around and mumbled, “Saturday, oh my God.”
The 59-year-old administrative director of the Haitian tax authority spent the past four days buried under rubble, in what used to be his office, across the road from Port-au-Prince’s devastated presidential palace. “It was like in a box, then the night came,” he later said.
Local rescue workers tried to get Gilles out shortly after the massive, 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit the Haitian capital on January 13, but to no avail. They left their equipment on the ground and went on to rescue others. But three days later, an Israeli rescue mission — part of a 200-member Israeli rescue and relief mission that flew in to Haiti on January 14 — came back to the building, after receiving information that someone was still alive in the building.
“We started looking around, using dogs and listening devices and then we found him,” said Major Zohar Moshe, commander of the rescue force. Zohar’s team was one component of the rescue mission Israel dispatched to Haiti, a detachment from the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command that includes engineering, medical, logistics and rescue experts.
This was their first chance to actually find someone they could help.
“I’m always optimistic. You have to be optimistic when you’re on a mission like this,” he said, as an Israeli military doctor climbed into the rubble to insert an intravenous liquid tube to Gilles arms.
The Israeli rescuers kept on working around the cavity in which Gilles was trapped, cutting through the debris that blocked the entrance. “We tried to talk with him, to keep him awake,” said Captain Nir Hazut. “I told him, ‘Do you know where we are from? We are from Israel.
Gilles, who all but lost hope to ever get out, replied: “I can’t believe it. You came all the way from Israel to save me?” Then he asked for a cell phone to call someone in Israel and say thank you, but rescuers told him that he’d have a chance to do so once he was out from under the debris and safe.
It took more than seven hours of careful digging, and maneuvering through the piles of brick, wood and office stationery, but by day’s end, Gilles was out. Bodies of his co-workers, who were not as lucky, were visible through the debris of what was once one of Haiti’s main government office buildings.
As Gilles was taken out on a stretcher to the ambulance, the crowd waiting outside the building for hours, broke out in cheers. “Bravo,” cried out one, and another led bystanders in cheers “We love Israel; we love Israel.”
“It is not about that, it is about saving lives,” said Major Zohar Moshe, covered in dirt and sweat after the rescue mission was over, “but it does make us very proud.”
A few hours later, in the field hospital set up by the Israeli military, Gilles seemed exhausted, but the doctors said he that in a few days he would be just fine.
Watch English-subtitled footage from the IDF field hospital in Haiti:
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Also see Akiva Eldar in Ha'aretz, 1/18/10 - [Excerpt] "The remarkable identification [among Israelis] with the victims of the terrible tragedy in distant Haiti only underscores the indifference to the ongoing suffering of the people of Gaza. Only a little more than an hour’s drive from the offices of Israel’s major newspapers, 1.5 million people have been besieged on a desert island for two and a half years. Who cares that 80 percent of the men, women and children living in such proximity to us have fallen under the poverty line? How many Israelis know that half of all Gazans are dependent on charity, that Operation Cast Lead created hundreds of amputees, that raw sewage flows from the streets into the sea? . . . The disaster in Haiti is a natural one; the one in Gaza is the unproud handiwork of man. Our handiwork. The IDF does not send cargo planes stuffed with medicines and medical equipment to Gaza. The missiles that Israel Air Force combat aircraft fired there a year ago hit nearly 60,000 homes and factories, turning 3,500 of them into rubble. Since then, 10,000 people have been living without running water, 40,000 without electricity. Ninety-seven percent of Gaza’s factories are idle due to Israeli government restrictions on the import of raw materials for industry. Soon it will be one year since the international community pledged, at the emergency conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, to donate $4.5 billion for Gaza’s reconstruction. Israel’s ban on bringing in building materials is causing that money to lose its value." http://haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1143313.html
To the previous responder - please see, what part of the sentence "there are no missiles hitting Israel from Haiti, there are no suicide bombers attacking Israel from Haiti, Haiti doesn't announce military plans to eliminate Israel, Haiti recognizes Israel's right to exist and to exist as Jewish state" you fail to understand. Palestinians didn't miss one chance to screw things up for the last 60 years. They live in poverty and war, because they don't know anything else and they won't know - because they don't want to. Disaster in Gaza is as natural as it gets - because nothing is more natural than human stupidity and religious blindness. They deserve indifference to their fate as much as anyone can deserve indifference.
Akiva Eldar and Steven Plocker are two pathetic examples of Israelis who have allowed the narrative of a ruthless and merciless enemy to colonize their brain. they know (but won't even pause on the thought) that if the Gazans were as good willed and open as the Haitians rather than one that votes for genocidal maniacs and uses israeli generosity to try and blow up hospitals, none of this would be happening. but never mind, it's got to be our fault.
ultimately i think its a messianic fantasy -- masochistic omnipotence syndrome: it's all our fault, and if only we could be better, we could to any/everything. and beneath this bass-ackwards messianism lies a revolting racism in which the palestinians are releived of all responsibility. it's never their fault.
i posted briefly on this at my blog: http://www.theaugeanstables.com/2010/01/18/haiti-and-israel/
on jewish hyper-self criticism: http://www.theaugeanstables.com/reflections-from-second-draft/self-criticism/
richard landes
Michael, the people of Gaza elected a terrorist network who have an openly genocidal charter.
Akiva Eldar in Ha'aretz, 1/18/10 - [Excerpt #2] "A few days before Israeli physicians rushed to save the lives of injured Haitians, the authorities at the Erez checkpoint prevented 17 people from passing through in order to get to a Ramallah hospital for urgent corneal transplant surgery. Perhaps they voted for Hamas. At the same time that Israeli psychologists are treating Haiti's orphans with devotion, Israeli inspectors are making sure no one is attempting to plant a doll, a notebook or a bar of chocolate in a container bringing essential goods into Gaza. So what if the Goldstone Commission demanded that Israel lift the blockade on the Strip and end the collective punishment of its inhabitants? Only those who hate Israel could use frontier justice against the first country to set up a field hospital in Haiti.
True, Haiti's militias are not firing rockets at Israel. But the siege on Gaza has not stopped the Qassams from coming. The prohibition of cilantro, vinegar and ginger being brought into the Strip since June 2007 was intended to expedite the release of Gilad Shalit and facilitate the fall of the Hamas regime. As everyone knows, even though neither mission has been particularly successful, and despite international criticism, Israel continues to keep the gates of Gaza locked. Even the images of our excellent doctors in Haiti cannot blur our ugly face in the Strip."
Mr. Levin, in a recent response to an article appearing in perhaps this issue I referred to a time when Golda Meir was asked as whether or not she thought peace in the Middle East was possible. She replied that only when Arabs learn to love their children more than they hate us. That is so true of the current situation in Gaza. Israel has every right to inspect if not deny supposed humanitarian aid into Gaza in fear that it might be tainted with weapons of some sort to be used against them. The Hamas know that yet they find it more conducive to their nihilistic position to allow their own people to starve instead of acknowledging Israel's right to exist as a democratic Jewish nation with its' Arab minority. If Mr. Levin has a problem realizing that then that is something he must deal with on his own accord. To go even further and accuse Israel of hypocrisy takes denial and fantasy to a new dimension. Israel along with the rest of the civilized world should be congratulated for the wonderful work they are doing in Haiti.
To Michael Levin: It is disappointing, but not surprising, that you use Israel's humanitarian efforts in Haiti to condemn Israel. I always follow the links you provide in your comments. In an article concerning airport security, that took me to the Tikun Olam blog of Richard Silverstein. When I expressed a view in opposition to his own, he unleashed a stream of invective and vituperation and then banned me from his site. This is what diminishes the credibility of him and people like him to near zero. If Israel did soften its attitude toward Gaza, I truly believe they would be bitterly disappointed, since they seem to desperately need to hate Israel. I hope you're not of that sort. It's undeniable that Israel could make itself less of an irritant in the West Bank and more humane in Gaza. Surprise, surprise, Israel, the same as any other nation, is not perfect. It also is not hard to understand why one feels less compassion for people next door who are trying to blow up your children than one does for distant people who have never harmed you. I have yet to hear America criticized for hypocrisy for its massive relief efforts in Haiti in spite of its continued bombing in Afghanistan. Double standard, as always.
Re. children in Palestine - Rich Siegel "In Palestine" Part 1 Dedication and Song [two Jewish songwriters write a song for Palestine] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1x2axqjhI6g
Mr. Levin, when was the last time a Palestinian songwriter dedicated a song for Israel or its' people? Perhaps that says something!
Israel has situated itself on Palestinian land. It will never have peace unless it completes its genocide of the Palestinian people.
Michael Levin: Also see Akiva Eldar in Ha'aretz, 1/18/10 - [Excerpt] "The remarkable identification [among Israelis] with the victims of the terrible tragedy in distant Haiti only underscores the indifference to the ongoing suffering of the people of Gaza."
"Michael Levin" and Eldar are insane.
If jews tried to rescue Gazan's in such an operation they would have been fired upon and a sucide bomber would have killed himself trying to stop it.
And now for a comment on the actual point this article is conveying.... Israel flew across the world to assist. They set up and began a fully operational field hospital before any other country of the entire world. They began saving lives in a country that has suffered a catastrophe. The Israelis did what needed to be done. They did it quickly and efficiently and have made a wonderful effort to make a difference in Haiti. End of story. This is NOT a story about Gaza or the Palestinians. For once, give the Israelis credit where credit is due.
Why would I want to save those who wish to murder me amd my family.? A plague on those who desire the death of Israel and JEWS. During the last war with Lebanon I Helped the Israelis and gave comfort to the wounded in hospitals.I have a son in Israel now.
I agree with Michale Levin. The only reason Israelis are in Haiti is to plunder Haiti's natural resources and to establish colonies. BDS NOW
William B and crew,
usa should divert 4.3B US$ for 2010 earmarked for zion to haiti.
Also see Gershon Baskin in Jerusalem Post, updated 1/19/10 - [Excerpt] "Humanitarian disasters around the world bring out the best in Israel and in Israelis. The horrific devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti and the scenes of unbearable human suffering brought about an immediate enlistment of both civilian and public efforts to come to the aid of the poorest nation in the Western hemisphere. . . . But what about the humanitarian disaster in our own backyard caused in a large part by our own doing? What about Gaza? More than 1.5 million people are living in total poverty, without sanitary drinking water, under an economic and physical siege, locked in what could easily be called the world’s largest prison. While we ask to see in all of the gory details, all of the destruction including hundreds of corpses on the streets of Port-au-Prince, we wish to see none of the human suffering of our Palestinian neighbors in Gaza where we literally hold the keys to the end of their suffering. Not only don't we see their suffering, we simply don't care. . . . Our high level of morality demonstrated in Haiti will not cover up our immorality in Gaza nor will it postpone the collision course that we are on with the rest of the world." http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull&cid=1263147923203
The IDF does not need to send cargo planes to gaza because just like you said, its only an hour and a half away. Instead israel sends about 100 trucks filled with supplies through the crossings every day!
The Jewish soul is full of philanthropy and good will. Yes, it too can be corrupted-- nobody's perfect. But in general Jews want to be (are commanded in the Bible to be) a light to the nations and fix the world to reveal G-d's presence. \The unfortunate situation in Gaza may not reflect that reality directly due to the fact that the Pal leaders have been more corrupt than most. They are hell bent on the destruction of Israel. So while Israelis by nature would want to treat the Pali people with humanitarianism-- we are prevented by THEIR OWN LEADERS!
I am one hundred per cent proud to be Israeli - as I always am.
Wonder why those who are so keen on "human rights" here are not asking why NOT ONE SINGLE MUSLIM COUNTRY has sent in rescue workers to Haiti.
Now there would be a moral question to discuss.
My guess would be it's the recession! Those billions of oil dollars aren't going so far these days for the purchase of race-horses and yachts ... sadly they must be having to watch the pennies in other places.
Michael Levin may be outnumbered by the bigots but he is of course right. If you murder and maim 400+ children in Gaza then your credentials in Haiti are suspect.
And no, the attack on Gaza was planned months before when there was a ceasefire which Israel broke on November 4th 2008. Inconvenient facts, to be sure, but there you are. Just as Israel's role in creating Hamas and its sponsorship of the Muslim Brotherhood in Gaza are an open secret too. This being the time when sponsoring Islamic fundamentalism to undermine secular nationalism was all the rage.
But the Israelis who parrot their government's hasbarah without a thought should ask themselves one question. How can you criticise non-Jews in Nazi occupied Europe of turning a blind eye, though thousands did in fact risk their lives to save Jews, when you not merely turn a blind eye but are actively complicit?
Oh and as for the 'rescue effort'. It will last all of 2 weeks and as the article in YNet makes clear, is primarily a PR job so Israelis can be 'proud to be Israeli - as I always am.' Although why someone should be proud about something they were born into, regardless of its inherent worth, I've never understood.
Levin,
Have you ever met a suicide bomber from Haiti? Have they ever fired rockets into civilian towns and cities? Have they ever stormed a Jewish school or Passover sedar and murdered our men, women, and children?
All that said. I'm 100% sure that if such a horrible earthquake hit Gaza or Arab towns in the West Bank, Israelis would still volunteer to help.
You see, Levin. What people like you never seem to understand, is that Israel does not enjoy the conflict in the Middle East and would prefer to live in peace with her neighbors. If Palestinians had adopted a Martin Luther King, Jr. approach to their struggle, they would have had a state years ago. Instead, they have what they have.
Cheers, kudos, well-done, and thank you to the Israeli team, and all other countries who did the same!
Disasters can and do bring out the Righteous among Gods children.
Tony G.:The innocent in Gaza who died during Operation Cast Lead died because their leadership was intent on either destroying the Jewish State or making Israeli lives so miserable under the attack by 7000-8000 rocket and mortar attacks that they would agree to anything to stop the bombardment.The sovereign state of Israel responded,as any nation would, by defending itself.That innocents would die was certainly known to the Israelis as well as to Hamas, the latter planning to take advantage of the PR.For Israelis not have responded would have signaled permission to Hamas to maim and kill Israelis unimpeded by the IDF.But the Israelis conducted the retaliatory action against Hamas by taking "extraordinary measures" in the words of Col.Richard Kemp,former commander of British forces in Afghanistan to warn Palestinians to evacuate areas occupied by terrorists before the IDF attacked.Kemp noted that the IDF had dropped 2 million leaflets and made 100,000 telephone calls in advance of their offensives.Despite these warnings,innocent Palestinians died.He pointed out the mistakes made by British,American and NATO forces in Iraq and Afghanistan resulted in the deaths of .These errors do not rise become war crimes.But Kemp held that the Israeli forces,"are the most moral army in the history of warfare." Regarding your view that Israel had a role in the creation of Hamas and sponsorship of the Moslem Brotherhood in Gaza,you are subscribing to a myth that lacks substance.Hamas grew out of the ideology and practise of the Islamic fundamentalist Moslem Brotherhood movement in Egypt in the 1920s 2 decades before the establishment of Israel.Hamas was registered in Israel as an Islamic Association by Sheikh Ahmad Yassin, and was involved, initially,in social welfare activities and improving the lives of Palestinians in Gaza.Funding was allowed to come through Israel from Jordan and Saudi Arabia, despite the long term goal being the destruction of Israel. Because in the short term it was not engaged in terror,it was not viewed as a serious threat.Some Israelis saw the rise of Islamic fundamentalism as a means of weakening the PLO,which ultimately happened.Israel's assistance was more passive than active.It did not interfere with Hamas activities and allowed funds to flow into its activities from abroad.After the 1988 rioting when the IDF learned that hamas was stockpiling arms to build an underground force,that group began to be viewed as a greater threat than the PLO.Hamas was not going to put off jihad and liberate Palestine.Its emphasis shifted from educational and charitable activities to terrorism.