Record-breaking earthquake uncovers true heroes

February 10, 2022 / י״ט בשבט תשפ״ג

The Israeli military has an admirable history of reaching out in relief efforts when world disasters strike. This past Monday, an unexpected earthquake devastated hundreds of neighborhoods throughout the Mideast. Without warning, modern skyscrapers and centuries-old landmarks were flattened within minutes. Reports of the death toll from Turkey and Syria still rise by the hour, with over 22,000 deaths confirmed as of this morning. When civilians of the world are in need, Israel calls her forces to action. The IDF Home Front Command Search and Rescue Unit plays a crucial role in saving lives at home and across the globe. In Haiti, following a devastating earthquake in 2020, the Israeli unit established a field hospital near the main airport in Port au Prince, treating thousands. When tragedy struck Miami, the specialized IDF corps assisted with recovery efforts from the Surfside Condominium collapse of 2021. But- what is Israel’s response when disaster strikes her sworn enemy? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he had instructed assistance to be sent to both Turkey, the epicenter of the earthquake, and to Syria, whose government refuses to recognize Israel. The aid includes blankets, tents, medication, and emergency supplies. Netanyahu has also indicated a willingness to take in casualties if asked. It is unclear how the resources will be delivered as there are no diplomatic ties between Israel and Syria. We wish our brave volunteers protection on their dangerous and honorable mission.

The last major earthquake in Israel's region was in 1927, and another is expected in the following 100 years, according to Nadav Wetzler of the Israel Geological Survey. The 1927 earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.2, resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of building destructions. Although Israel has partially prepared for the next earthquake with a council that coordinates responses and an early warning system, many buildings in the country are still vulnerable to collapse. A report showed that 600,000 buildings, including most of the earthquake-prone Galilee region, are not strong enough to resist quakes. Despite the allocation of 1.5 billion dollars since 2019 to strengthen older buildings, only a fraction has been used. The TAMA program is enforced to upgrade building safety but has only been implemented in newer construction. Israel's Homefront Command and emergency services regularly practice drills and educate residents about emergency protocols. But, a surprise 7.8 magnitude earthquake like the one that hit Turkey and Syria would devastate any country, no matter how well-prepared citizens may be. Still, Uri Shacham, a high-ranking official in Israel's emergency service, Magen David Adom, emphasizes the importance of having a plan. He advises residents to "keep a disaster escape kit in their homes, ensure their family knows what to do in case of an earthquake, go immediately outside to a safe room or stairwell, and wait there while contacting the authorities."

On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu participated in a tree-planting ceremony in Neve Ya'akov, Jerusalem, to commemorate Tu B’shvat. The bittersweet event was attended by family members of the victims of a Palestinian terrorist attack in the same neighborhood that killed seven people last month. Members of the police and paramedic teams who assisted at the attack scene were also in attendance. During the ceremony, Netanyahu addressed the bereaved families and stated that affirming our faith and love of life is how we respond to terrorism. He also announced that Israeli security teams had arrested the terrorists responsible for an attempted mass shooting and promised to continue to fight the forces of evil that aim to destroy all Israel stands for. This Monday, “the Israeli birthday of the trees,” an emotional Netanyahu shared, “This tree is the tree of life. They come to sow death, and we plant. They murdered seven of our loved ones, and here we are… deepening our roots in our land.”

YEHIEL "HILIK" BAR

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