Israeli, Jewish aid groups join Nepal flood rescue efforts

Israeli and Jewish humanitarian organizations are providing emergency assistance to communities affected by devastating floods in Nepal, joining international relief efforts after the disaster killed more than 600 people and left thousands missing.

Last Wednesday, flash floods and landslides struck areas along the Nepal-China border after a glacial collapse in the Himalayas triggered a massive surge of water, mud and debris. Rescue efforts have been complicated by difficult terrain and the threat of additional flooding from newly formed lakes in the region.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar expressed condolences to the victims and said Israel was prepared to provide humanitarian and rescue assistance.

“My deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones,” Sa’ar wrote in a post on 𝕏. “My thoughts are with those affected, as well as the first responders who are working tirelessly under extremely difficult conditions.”

The veteran humanitarian organization World Jewish Relief has launched an emergency aid campaign focused on affected communities along the Nepal-Tibet border. Working with the Community Self-Reliance Center, the organization is providing food, emergency shelter, safe drinking water, medicine and other essential supplies.

World Jewish Relief CEO Paul Anticoni praised the rapid response of the organization’s local partners in Nepal.

“The distressing images of this catastrophic disaster have been horrific. But the rapidity and timelessness of our local partner getting volunteers to the affected area so quickly have been inspiring,” Anticoni stated. “Now we all need to play our part and show our Jewish generosity in supporting those affected.”

The Israel-based disaster relief organization NATAN has also joined international humanitarian efforts in Nepal, focusing on emergency medical care and psychological assistance.

“Precisely at a community’s moment of crisis, we are there to extend a hand, stand behind them, and walk alongside them on the path toward recovery,” said Gil Reines, chairman of NATAN’s executive board.

IsraAID, an Israeli humanitarian organization, also announced that it would dispatch an emergency response team to Nepal. The organization will focus on mental health support and the distribution of critical relief supplies.

“We are devastated to see the scenes unfolding in Nepal, as entire communities have been destroyed by flash flooding and landslides. Our thoughts are with everyone affected. We will do everything we can to bring urgent support where it is needed most,” said IsraAID CEO Yotam Polizer.

The rescue effort has been further complicated by warnings from Chinese and Nepalese authorities about the potential for additional flooding. A newly formed barrier lake near the disaster zone briefly forced rescuers to suspend operations, although the immediate risk has since been assessed as manageable. Authorities continue to monitor the area for further flooding.

Earlier this month, Israel sent rescue teams to Colombia to assist local authorities with earthquake recovery.

In June, Israel dispatched professional rescue teams to Venezuela after the South American country was struck by a powerful earthquake. The Israeli operation was notable because it came despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations.