Israeli NGO sends rescue team to Morocco as earthquake death toll passes 2,100

IsraAID, Israel’s leading NGO offering humanitarian assistance, dispatched rescue teams to Morocco on Sunday following a devastating earthquake that left more than 2,100 people dead. 

The earthquake hit the High Atlas Mountains on Friday evening, sending shockwaves as far as Marrakech.

“We got in touch with the Jewish community leaders in Marrakesh immediately after the earthquake. They are, of course, dealing with the trauma of what has occurred, but also very happy to partner with us to support the worst affected areas,” IsraAID CEO, Yotam Polizer, told Jewish News.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would “render all possible assistance to Morocco, including – if requested – a rescue mission that is standing ready to help them. The State of Israel stands beside Morocco at this difficult time.”

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Amir Peretz, also offered its assistance.

“Israel Aerospace Industries is ready and willing to offer the Moroccan rescue services any assistance that may be needed, including advanced technological means, and this in coordination with the Government of Israel, and Israel’s Ministry of Defence and Foreign Ministry,” Peretz said in a letter to King Mohammed VI.

Morocco is yet to accept Israel’s offer, along with offers from other countries such as the U.S. and France. Israel has previously sent delegations of rescue teams to disaster areas around the world.

Its last mission, led by the IDF Home Front Command, helped save over 20 people in the major earthquakes that hit Turkey earlier this year.

King Mohammed thanked the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, and Qatar for sending humanitarian aid.

“The Moroccan authorities conducted a careful assessment of the needs in the field, taking into account that a lack of coordination in such cases would be counterproductive. On these basis, the Moroccan authorities responded, at this particular stage, to the offers of support made by friendly countries Spain, Qatar, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, which suggested mobilising a group of search and rescue teams,” he continued,” the King said.

“Moreover, with the progress of interventions, the assessment of potential needs may develop, which may lead to going back to offers of support from other friendly countries, according to the needs of each stage separately,” the King added.