At least 4,300 people were killed in the severe earthquake across Turkey and Syria more than a day ago, and thousands were shot and trapped under the rubble. David Serangathe spokesman for the rescue mission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Turkey, spoke this morning (Tuesday) with Ben Caspit Vinon Magal on radio 103FM and talked about the attempts to help the disaster-stricken country.
“Apocalypse”: at least 4,300 killed in Turkey and Syria; The IDF delegation landed
The Israeli rescue team that will go to Turkey warns: “It is likely that the catastrophe is much greater”
“We left the airport to which the Turkish authorities directed the rescue forces. We are on our way to the area they assigned us, the affected areas were divided between the various delegations. I really hope we can get there as soon as possible,” Saranga said. “The first step is about rescue, with the aim of saving lives and seeing how we can oxygenate those people who are trapped under the rubble. There is also humanitarian aid. It is about food, medicine and warm clothing.”
“The dimensions of the destruction are very high,” he added. “We left last night at midnight, landed this morning, there were three planes. I doubt how low we can keep a profile in this area. In the end, the goal is to provide Israeli aid, it is known that Israel specializes in the field. We are organized in terms of security, and also the cooperation with the authorities Excellent. The people of the IDF, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have arrived. As long as it takes, we will be here. We are not going back either tomorrow or the day after. We are here first and foremost to help the Turkish people. If, as a result, relations will warm up, great, but this is not the consideration that was before our eyes.”
Search for survivors among the ruins of the buildings after the earthquake in Turkey (Photo: Reuters)
He joined the conversation Rabbi Mandi Hitrik, a Chabad emissary in Istanbul, and described the ruins in the country: “70% of the city of Antakya is probably already destroyed, the ten Jews who lived there left for Istanbul. There are two we passed by their building, hope they come out. This is a community that has been here since the city was founded, 20-30 people remain, it is hard to believe that they will return. As soon as we heard what happened, we came here together with the heads of the Jewish community in Istanbul. You can only pray and work hard. Caring for Jews here all over the world, it warms the heart. We care for each other, unfortunately we only remember each other when it hurts. Pray, let’s all pray together.”
Assisted in the preparation of the article: Michal Kadosh, 103fm