Israeli team digs in to help Greek earthquake victims
by ATHENS (JTA) -- An Israeli military rescue unit arrived in Athens on Thursday of last week to help rescue people trapped in the, The team swung into action shortly after getting a green light from the Greek government and returned home Tuesday.
| Follow j. on |  |
and |  |
Members of the Greek Jewish community contacted Israeli Ambassador Ran Couriel to offer assistance to team members -- including opening their homes to the rescuers for Rosh Hashanah.
On last Friday evening, the Israelis paused in their work to mark Rosh Hashanah near the rubble of a six-story office building with 48 people believed buried inside.
"We raised a toast, sang a few songs for the holiday and then went back to work," said Col. Udi Ben-Uri, the unit commander.
This is the second time an Israeli unit has pitched in to help rescue Greek earthquake victims. In 1953 Israel dispatched help after the entire island of Cephalonia was razed by a temblor.
At that time, a ship belonging to the still-young Israeli navy was on maneuvers in the Mediterranean and headed for the island, arriving even before Greek officials were able to send help.
The Greek government honored that effort earlier this year.
The Jerusalem Post Service contributed to this report.
Comments
Be the first to comment!
Leave a Comment
In order to post a comment, you must first log in.
Are you looking for user registration? Or have you forgotten your password?
All