Three Venezuelan Jews confirmed dead in earthquake as Israeli aid efforts intensify
Four community members remain missing as Israeli and UK Jewish organisations expand relief efforts following Venezuela’s devastating earthquakes
Three members of Venezuela’s Jewish community have been confirmed dead following the devastating earthquakes that have killed nearly 1,500 people across the country, as Israeli and UK Jewish organisations continue to expand search, rescue and humanitarian efforts.
Roberto Mishkin, president of the Union Israelita de Caracas, Venezuela’s largest Ashkenazi Jewish congregation, told The Times of Israel that three of Venezuela’s approximately 5,000 Jews have now been confirmed dead. Four members of the community remain missing.
Mishkin said at least 15 Jewish families have lost their homes, while another 30 to 35 families have been left unable to return to their apartments because of severe structural damage.
Speaking to The Times of Israel, he said around 300 people sought shelter at the Jewish Community Centre on the first night after the earthquakes, while another 200 stayed at his synagogue. Around 100 people are still sleeping at the community centre, where Jewish organisations are continuing to provide three meals a day and other essential support.
Photo Credit: Roberto Mishkin.
Israeli humanitarian charity SmartAID said its 17-member Magen search and rescue team is working alongside local emergency services in the worst-hit areas, searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings, assessing damaged structures and providing emergency humanitarian assistance.
The organisation also plans to deliver clean energy systems, water purification equipment and Starlink satellite internet terminals to support hospitals, clinics and emergency responders affected by widespread power and communications failures.
Shachar Zahavi, founding director of SmartAID, said: “Photos and videos tend to exaggerate the scale of disasters, but in Venezuela’s case it’s impossible to grasp the full extent of the damage and the situation of thousands still buried under the rubble, while hundreds of thousands are homeless on the streets. We make sure that we always consult with the locals and let them lead as they know the lay of the land, and we respect their guidance and knowledge.”
Other Israeli organisations have also expanded their response. Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) is preparing an emergency aid package worth hundreds of thousands of shekels to support around 500 displaced Jewish families. IsraAID has deployed an emergency response team specialising in humanitarian relief, mental health and water, sanitation and hygiene support, while NATAN Worldwide Disaster Relief is preparing to send doctors, nurses, psychologists and emergency specialists to assist affected communities.
UK-based charity World Jewish Relief has also launched an emergency appeal and said it is working with local partners and the Jewish community in Caracas to help provide shelter, food, medicine, clean water and hygiene supplies.
Paul Anticoni OBE, chief executive of World Jewish Relief, said: “The scenes emerging from Venezuela are shocking, and the humanitarian needs are immense. As the Jewish community’s humanitarian response, we are appealing to our supporters and community to provide a lifeline to those suffering from this crisis.”
Rescue teams continue to search for survivors across Venezuela as hundreds of people remain missing and thousands more have been displaced by the disaster.
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