Haifa Fire Roundup: Obama and Netanyahu confer

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (Press Release) — On the way home from visiting the troops in Afghanistan, President Obama called Prime Minister Netanyahu. The President expressed his deepest condolences on behalf of the American people for the tragic loss of life resulting from the fires in northern Israel. The President said he is pleased that American and Israeli officials have been in near-constant contact since the fires began.

The President said that USAID and the Department of Defense will be delivering large procurements of fire-retardant chemicals this weekend. The President informed the Prime Minister that the first specialized technical team will arrive tomorrow, with other teams to arrive shortly thereafter, and that the United States government is also working with private industry to mobilize private resources to assist with the effort.

The President said that we are working hard to identify a variety of firefighting aircraft to assist with the effort, including possibly deploying assets from the United Sates. The President concluded the conversation by noting that we are pursuing a “full court press” to help and have the Israeli people in our thoughts and prayers.

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ADL expresses appreciation coming to Israels aid — particularly Turkey

NEW YORK (Press Release) — The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) on Friday, Dec 3,  praised the numerous countries who have aided Israel’s efforts to fight the devastating forest fire in the Carmel region. 

To date, the countries who are reported to have offered or provided assistance include Australia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Jordan, Romania, Russia, Spain, Turkey, the United States and the United Kingdom. And more are gearing up to send supplies and support as appropriate.

ADL took particular note of Turkey’s response, after Ankara sent firefighting aircraft to the scene of the blaze and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a statement expressing condolences for the 41 Israelis who perished in the blaze on Thursday.

“Unfortunately, sometimes it takes misfortune to bring old friends closer and reinvigorate their relationship,” said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director.  “Perhaps Turkey’s unconditional willingness to help Israel in this time of need will lead to something good arising from the ashes of these terrible fires.”

In a letter to Erdoğan, ADL wrote:  “Turkey’s immediate and constructive response to this crisis is an important gesture of friendship at this very difficult time for Israel and a present day reminder of the historic and deep ties between Israel and Turkey.”

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Preceding provided by the Anti-Defamation League  
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Masorti movement establishes fire fund

JERUSALEM — David Lissy, executi ve director of the Masorti (Conservative Movement in Israel, sent out the following notice concerning the Haifa fire:

“You are all aware of the devastation of the fires in Israel.
 
“Organizations of the Conservative/Masorti movement are jointly working to support a Fire Emergency Fund which will be used as follows:
 
  1. Immediate assistance to those in need;
  2. Funding to support NOAM and MAROM youth in the clean up and relief efforts which will likely be required over a longer period of time;
  3. Any remaining funds will be delivered to JNF as a gift from the Conservative/Masorti movement.
Contributions can be made in the following ways:
  1. Go online to www.masorti.org, click on “Make a Contribution,” and in the Program Designation, click on the line for “Fire Emergency Fund.”
  2. Check mailed to the Masorti Foundation 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 832, New York, NY 10115 with the notation “Fire Emergency Fund”
  3. Call the Masorti Foundation at 212-870-2216 and make a credit card contribution
 
“I have kept this brief and to the point because you all know the problem. I do want to note, however, how appreciative Masorti is of the support and cooperation of the other arms of our movement.”