Below
is a first-person account of one of the soldiers taking part in the
IDF's rescue delegation to the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon
Haiyan.
For live updates on the rescue mission click here
Our journey to the Philippines began
as we found ourselves in the Ben Gurion International Airport, awaiting
for instructions and prepared to board a plane with more than 100 tons
of equipment. We were a diverse group – 148 officers and soldiers,
doctors, nurses, lab technicians, psychiatrists, social psychologists,
search and rescue workers, etc.
IDF delegation for the Philippines at Ben Gurion Airport
After
12 long hours crossing the universe, we arrived in Sebu.
As we stepped
off the plane, we quickly come to understand one of the serious
challenges we will be facing in the Philippines – unprecedented heat. We
landed in an airstrip and were surrounded by hundreds of boxes of
foreign aid. We were immediately welcomed by dozens of the local
residents, excited to greet us in our first moments in the Philippines.
We boarded buses for a 4-hour drive north to Bogo City, a city deeply
impacted by Typhoon Haiyan.
Despite
our exhaustion, we couldn't help but be enthralled by the beauty of the
countryside. We reached Bogo City on Thursday night and spent our first
night in the local sports complex as we experienced our first rain in
the Philippines through the open sky under which we slept (the roof of
the complex was destroyed in the typhoon). There was a clear feeling of
excitement – the desire to get to work as soon as possible. Members of
the delegation spent the evening playing guitars and singing, already
building strong bonds.
Flags standing side by side
Our first full day started early and we immediately began to unload
all of the medical supplies that had arrived. The amount was
staggering – wheelchairs, ultrasounds, diapers, medication and even
refrigerators. The atmosphere continued to grow with pride and
excitement, especially when the flags were raised. The pediatrics
section was decorated with toys and, almost instantly, local residents
began standing in line waiting for medical assistance.
Soldier decorating pediatrics section of field hospital
The
day was filled with major milestones – admitting the first patient, as
well as the birth of the first baby, aptly named "Israel." Lt. Col. Dr.
Ofer Merin, the medical manager of the hospital, kept mentioning the
importance of what we were doing, stating "we are here to answer the
call for help." I had the privilege of being in the delivery room
minutes after Israel was born and what was felt there was truly the
essence of hope – the feeling that after such a horrific experience,
life, and especially new life, continues.
IDF doctors with newborn baby "Israel"
On the second morning, we were greeted with roughly 150 people
lining up outside the hospital, eager to catch a space in line. The
second day was also the first full day in which the x-ray station,
laboratory station and optometry station were used. Certain moments felt
frenzied – a constant buzz that was felt every time we saw patients in
line. Procedures continued – the first C-Section occurred, as did the
delivery of a woman in the backseat of her car.
It
was in moments like these in which the IDF delegation's true nature was
shown – its commitment to helping, without any desire or need for thank
you. The overall feeling here is one of persistence and commitment to a
cause – to do whatever is needed to help the people in need.
IDF pediatric specialist, Col. Dr. Albukirk, on the job
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