The catastrophic earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week have claimed more than 1,700 lives, with nearly 47,000 people still reported missing. Almost 16,000 people have lost their homes in what has become the worst natural disaster in the country’s history. Approximately 23% of the buildings affected by the earthquakes have collapsed. As the race to find survivors continues, The Times of Israel reports that Israeli volunteers are now on the ground assisting with rescue and relief efforts.
Among those taking part in the international response to the devastating double earthquake were SmartAID, an Israeli organization that specializes in integrating technology into humanitarian aid, which said it already had volunteers with American, Venezuelan, and dual Israeli Venezuelan citizenship on the ground.
The volunteers were distributing basic hygiene and other supplies to families who had lost their homes.
“Our main mandate is to help as human beings,” said Shachar Zahavi, SmartAID’s Founder and CEO.
The SmartAID-Magen 17 volunteer search and rescue team was due to enter Venezuela with Venezuelan government permission on Sunday from Panama, and to help local teams searching for remaining survivors under the rubble.
During the coming days, the charity additionally plans to fly off-grid clean energy and water equipment in from the US, along with Starlink internet services.
The equipment has been donated by US companies with which SmartAID USA has had partnerships for years and is currently being packed for transport by volunteers in the organization’s warehouse.
Venezuela’s small Jewish community of 5,000 also suffered losses in the disaster. Three people have been confirmed dead, and four remain missing. At least 15 Jewish families have lost their homes, while approximately 35 others can no longer live in their apartments. Roberto Mishkin, president of the Unión Israelita de Caracas, reported that 500 people took shelter at the Jewish Community Center and his synagogue on the first night after the earthquakes.
The Fellowship and our supporters pray for the nation of Venezuela and the thousands of people affected by this devastating disaster. We also pray for the rescue teams from Israel, the United States, and around the world as they put aside their differences to save lives and bring hope to those in need.
