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Israel
PM Netanyahu, President Peres Thank Carmel Fire Volunteers
By
Joel Leyden Jerusalem,
Israel ---- December 7, 2010 ...... The following was partly communicated
by the Israel Prime Minister's Media Adviser and the Israel President's
media advisor to the Israel News Agency. The Israeli government and the Israeli people need to enhance fire prevention awareness and enforcement through volunteer police. "The People of Israel are an ancient people with long memories. We will not forget how you helped us in this fateful hour. Carry blessings and our gratitude as you return home." "Today, the people of Israel thank you. You acted on a mission, with bravery and dedication, and you saved lives and natural resources," said Israel President Shimon Peres. President Shimon Peres hosted a special event this morning honoring the foreign rescue and fire fighting delegations that assisted in extinguishing the Carmel Mountain fire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also participated and together they presented certificates of appreciation and awards to the heads of each foreign rescue delegation for their efforts and assistance in extinguishing the fire. Each of the 18 delegates ascended the podium, shook the hands of the President and Prime Minister, and were photographed while the fire fighters in the audience applauded enthusiastically. Over 300 members of the various delegations participated in the event including fire fighters, pilots, emergency response experts, and Ambassadors from more than 10 countries. There were delegations representing Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Britain, United States, Russia, Jordan, Turkey, and the Palestinian Authority. The participants crowded into the expanded Hall in the President's Residence specifically so all of the delegates could be included in the event.
"On behalf of the State of Israel, on behalf of all the people; children, women, parents, I want to thank all of you and each of you for coming so courageously, so promptly, to save lives and save land," said Peres. "Many times Israel has sent its people to aid countries that suffered earthquakes such as Haiti or suffered from fires. This is the first time that we have needed assistance from others. We were touched by the amazing response - the response of countries and the human response on a personal level. We lost many good people in this fire and we feel that you saved lives. God should bless you. Fighting fires is a horrible thing. Many of you jumped into the fire to save lives. The pilots in their planes often operated in harsh weather conditions. The wind was strong and uncooperative, changing direction all the time. In spite of these difficult conditions you didn't hesitate. You came from near and far - from Russia and the US, and also from the Palestinian Authority and Jordan. What more can we say to you other than to give you the thanks of children and mothers, thanks from our tiny democracy Israel on this extraordinary courageous demonstration of solidarity. You overcame the fire and brought new hope." President Peres also praised the quick response and said: "Thank you for your mission which is neither diplomatic nor foreign relations but rather expresses the highest form of human responsibility." "In helping us douse the flames you have warmed the hearts of the entire nation and you have shown us that we are not alone," said Netanyahu. "You have shown us that around the world there are people of good will that will help us in our hour of need. I believe that this rapid international response can be model for future cooperation in our region. I thank each and every one of you for your courage, your dedication, and your friendship. The people of Israel, an ancient people with a long memory, will never forget what you have done for us." Christos Oikonomou, head of the 70 member Greek rescue delegation spoke on behalf of all of the volunteer foreign rescue and fire teams. "Mr. President, thank you for the great honor and invitation to the President's Residence. On behalf of those who contributed in the fighting of the fires in the Mount Carmel region of the last few days I wish to express our deepest sorrow and profound sympathy to the relatives of the victims. At the same time I wish to express our deep satisfaction and pride for being able to assist our Israel colleagues in their tremendous struggle to control the fire. Real friends speak with their deeds, we are your friends and that's what we tried to do. This is exactly what Israeli fire fighters did when a wildfire was burning in Greece. We certainly hope that this is the last time that you will need our assistance but be assured that if the need ever arises you can count on us." The Greek pilot then said in Hebrew: "Thank you for your hospitality."
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