Travel diary, Wednesday, February 8, rescue in Turkey by the ICL team.
We managed to find a place to sleep in one of the hospitals in the area. We woke up to a rough morning after several hours of a light nap. Getting ready for another day of rescues and saving human lives.
The ICL rescue unit in Turkey (photo: courtesy of ICL)
The sights are very difficult, adults and children without a roof over their heads, clinging to makeshift fires, covered with a blanket and several layers of clothing while next to them the houses are completely destroyed, desperate and at a loss. Begging for a cup of hot tea with a slice of bread.
I think the situation is getting worse. The cold penetrates the bones, there is no electricity and hardly any communication, but the team is extremely determined to continue the mission for which we were jumped – saving human lives.
Yesterday we were all filled with pride after the rescue of a trapped animal whose first words were “thank you”. All the rescue teams came to lend a hand, it was a very moving sight. Israelis, Kurdish Arabs who all have a common goal.
The ICL rescue unit in Turkey (photo: courtesy of the ICL delegation)
The time has come to enter the ruins and save another soul. The longing for home, wife and children increases especially in view of the difficult sights.
We will end on an optimistic note and wish ourselves another successful day, even more than yesterday.
The writer is the deputy commander of the ICL rescue unit