Posted on 09/06/2005 6:34:56 AM PDT by veronica
It what appears almost like science fiction, Israeli volunteer divers are heading to New Orleans to help look for bodies in flooded homes.
The divers are expected to sift through the murky waters with powerful underwater flashlights. US officials believe there may be hundreds or even thousands of dead bodies still trapped in houses. There is fear that the remains will also be found in the streets as the waters recede.
They are part of a private delegation of Israeli volunteers who have extensive experience in rescues and complex emergencies garnered from work around the world.
The delegation is being coordinated by IsraAID (the Israel Forum for International Aid), a non-governmental group funded by donations mainly from American Jews. Gal Lousky, the head of the delegation, said it expects to depart Tuesday and has all the permits necessary.
"It is very dangerous, we know that," Lousky told The Jerusalem Post. "We will be helping in three areas: post trauma, evacuation of bodies underwater and medical treatment. We are working in full coordination with the Americans and our foreign ministry."
Lousky said that the group is receiving help from the strong lobbying efforts of the American Jewish Congress and World B'nai B'rith. There are 20 to 25 volunteers going, including four doctors.
Now that most of the stranded people have been rescued, the focus is shifting to the grisly task of collecting the bodies. Officials also fear disease could spread because of floodwaters befouled by toxic chemicals, human waste, garbage and decomposing corpses.
"What's going to happen when we... remove the water from New Orleans is we are going to uncover people who died, maybe hiding in houses... people whose remains are going to be found in the streets," US Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said on Fox News.
It is here that the Israeli divers will be particularly useful. They are members of the northern diving volunteers connected with the police who are usually called on to find drowning victims.
"I was offered the opportunity to help and am always a sucker for a chance to help," said Michael Yinhar, 51, a blacksmith, volunteer diver and medic from Moshav Tzipori. "I am sure we won't be lone cowboys wandering around looking for bodies. We'll be given tasks. We are willing to help whoever needs it."
The IsraAID delegation helped in rescue operations after the Southeast Asian tsunami, as well as in Turkey, Georgia and Romania. The members will wear vests with their symbol, a Star of David with wings, said Lousky, the founder of IsraAID.
They are seeking donations, particularly to purchase supplies in the US. Anyone interested can telephone (057) 733-3400 or (050) 535-3453, or visit www.israaid.org.il on the Web.
That has got to be a terrible job. Thanks seems very small.
Admirable people, a very though and thankless job.
Agreed times 2.
Your comment and your tag.
bttt
Thank you and how terribly sad that they are experts in such tragedy.
A thankless job, indeed! MANY THANKS!
Call me a cautious (optimistic) skeptic, but I am beginning to doubt whether there are really 10,000 dead in New Orleans. I bet the number is much lower than that.
Just doing jobs Americans don't want to do
Nah, we would do it, but their help is sure appreciated.
Flashlights are useless in this type of search. It's all done by 'feel'. It's just like putting your high-beams on in fog or heavy snow. It just lights up the water surrounding you without letting you see. Blinding really.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.