Israeli rescue team arrives in Venezuela to aid earthquake recovery efforts

An Israeli search and rescue delegation has arrived in Valencia, Venezuela, to aid in recovery efforts after a series of deadly earthquakes rocked the South American country. The 16-person team, comprising rescue personnel and professionals from Magen - Disaster & Emergency Management Company, Israel's Ready for Rescue non-profit, and SmartAID, has begun collaborating with local forces.

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The scale of the destruction across Venezuela is "exceptionally severe."

Delegation members described the destruction as "exceptionally severe," noting extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. The international community is also mobilizing aid, with the European Union's foreign policy chief announcing approximately €5 million in emergency assistance. The EU official expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and offered condolences to the families who lost loved ones.

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I expressed the EU’s full solidarity with the Venezuelan people and our deepest condolences to families who have lost loved ones.

Meanwhile, Venezuela's Jewish communities have initiated an emergency fundraising campaign. The Committee of the Jewish Communities of Venezuela aims to raise $2 million to support Jewish families affected by the disaster. By Sunday evening, the campaign had already gathered $176,000. Approximately 80 Jewish families have lost their homes, and another 200 are hesitant to return. A community member highlighted the increased need for external help due to a significant reduction in the community's size, from an estimated 20,000 to 3,000 people in recent years.

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About 80 Jewish families have lost their homes, and another 200 are afraid to return home. The community is currently assisting all of them.