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By Erica Lyons
Managing Editor Following the massive earthquake that sent waves of destruction across China’s Sichuan Province, Jewish groups worldwide quickly mobilised to provide much needed assistance. The quake, of 12 May 2008, measured a staggering 7.9 magnitude on the Richter scale.  Loading supplies in Israel headed for Sichuan |
Weeks after, the death toll is estimated at 62,000 and the battle far from over as aftershocks and collateral damage continue to reek havoc and present constant challenges. In addition to the rising death toll, 23,775 people are still missing. On Sunday, 25 May 2008, in the week following the disaster, an Israeli plane set out for the city of Chengdu with humanitarian aid coordinated by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Over one and a half million dollars were collected through a donation of one million dollars by Israel Corporation and its subsidiaries, and half a million from philanthropists Diane and Gilford Glazer and the Ofer Family, through the United Israel Appeal. While Israel had initially offered to send search and rescue teams to assist the Chinese rescue workers, China reportedly declined the offer stating that the provision of supplies were desperately needed. The plane, provided by El Al, carried nearly 90 tons of medicines and medical equipment, water purifi cation kits, generators, tents, sleeping bags, and clothing intended for the earthquake survivors. The aid comes in addition to money already transferred by the Israeli embassy in Beijing to the Chinese Red Cross used for immediate evacuations and a shipment of sleeping bags and blankets. |
