Israel goes above and beyond
For the past three days, the international community has been focused on the earthquake that ravaged Nepal and the thousands who were killed or injured. The tally keeps ballooning, as more casualties -- and aftershocks -- are reported. On Sunday, the ground shook once again, although with less severity.
Israel has gone out of its way to help its many citizens who often vacation in that majestic country, an eight-hour flight from Israel (with a layover in Turkey). Most were trekking in the mountains, while others were there because Israeli law allows foreign women to be hired as surrogate mothers.
As is usually the case in such situations, Israel spared no time and offered help in a classic Pavlovian reaction. The Midrash says, "All of Israel is responsible for one another." But the sense of solidarity runs deeper than helping fellow compatriots -- it transcends borders and nationalities. It is not a one-off gesture. Nor is it just about public relations and bolstering Israel's image. Just look at Israel's record: Israel's relief efforts have never been limited to areas where Jews or Israelis were in danger.
Many Israelis are currently in Nepal. Some mathematicians have noted that it would take a statistical miracle to have zero Israelis among the more than 3,000 dead and the many more injured. Let's hope they are wrong. Although the number of Israelis who have yet to make contact is becoming smaller by the minute, we may very well find out that there were some among those who perished in an avalanche or in some far-flung mountain. Israel's aid is unconditional, though, and it will continue regardless of whatever unfolds.
The Justice Ministry was right to cut the red tape and allow the Nepalese surrogates carrying Israeli babies to give birth in Israel. It is the right thing to do, the humane thing to do. The ministry cautioned that despite its decision, there may still be various legal pitfalls. But the legal debate over surrogacy, which is certainly not unique to Israel, should always be carried out properly, in the right conditions, and not in the midst of the trauma accompanying the earthquake.
The average Israeli should feel proud of Israel's exemplary conduct on the humanitarian front, which extends to all four corners of the earth. That is why I find it hard to understand those who have criticized Israel's response as too slow or inefficient. Those allegations are unfounded because Israel has done its utmost, above and beyond what other nations have done, and much more than expected.
טעינו? נתקן! אם מצאתם טעות בכתבה, נשמח שתשתפו אותנו