• Israel is helping Venezuela after a devastating earthquake despite having no formal diplomatic relations with the country. It is a powerful reminder that Israel is a blessing to the world.

  • Israeli teams are reportedly deploying drones to help detect signs of survivors, while humanitarian aid includes water purification systems, off-grid solar power, and emergency communications support.

Israeli aid teams began operations in Venezuela this week following the devastating earthquake that has taken the lives of more than 1,700 people, with many more still missing.

Several Israeli organisations have mobilised to help in the international effort to search for remaining survivors, recover bodies, provide medical care, and deliver humanitarian aid to families who have lost their homes.

While many countries, including the UK, have rushed to the aid of Venezuela, there is something you must know about Israel’s contribution: There are no formal diplomatic relations between Israel and Venezuela.

For many years under the Maduro regime, Venezuela has been a hub for the Lebanon-based Hezbollah terror group. The Iranian proxy has used Venezuela as a base, operating a criminal-terror network throughout South America. Largely driven by narcotics trafficking, Hezbollah operatives travel between Lebanon and Venezuela, and Hezbollah-linked agents launder money that lines the pockets of the Iranian regime in Tehran and sponsors their terror activities. The Iranian regime has promoted Venezuela as one of its main partners in its “axis of resistance”.

And yet Israel is helping.

Israeli organisations including NATAN Worldwide Disaster Relief, SmartAID, IsraAID, the Joint Distribution Committee, and others have been preparing or deploying humanitarian assistance through regional partners, local networks, and emergency response teams. The Times of Israel reported that SmartAID already had volunteers with American, Venezuelan, and dual Israeli-Venezuelan citizenship on the ground, distributing basic hygiene and other supplies to families who had lost their homes. IsraAID’s Colombia-based team was also reported to be in the disaster zone, providing emergency support including psychological first aid, mental health assistance, water, sanitation and hygiene support.

The tragedy has also touched Venezuela’s Jewish community. It is reported that three members of the Venezuelan Jewish community had been confirmed dead, while hundreds of Jewish families had been evacuated from their homes. Yet even amid their own grief and disruption, Jewish and Israeli-linked organisations are working to bring food, water, medicine, shelter and practical support to the wider population.

No matter where the disaster occurs, Israel is renowned for responding. Even when Syria, a country that Israel is technically “at war” with, was hit by the 2023 earthquake, Israel sent aid and relief following the disaster.

Alice Miller, CEO of NATAN Worldwide Disaster Relief, told JNS, “We do not arrive with flags first,” she said. “We arrive with medicine, listening, and respect. That is often the strongest form of diplomacy.”

She emphasised that the work is not political but acknowledged its broader effect.

“The mission is first of all medical. We go because people need care, not because we are trying to make a political statement,” she said. “But it would be dishonest to say there is no diplomatic effect.”

“In places where people have never met Israelis, or where Israel is seen only through conflict and politics, the experience of being treated by an Israeli doctor or nurse can change something very basic. It does not solve geopolitics, but it creates a human encounter that is real.”

Meanwhile, Israeli organisation SmartAID is using high-tech Israeli technology on the ground. This includes thermal mapping drones that trace heat signatures to intercept signs of life deep within the debris. Because local infrastructure and communications completely collapsed, teams are setting up Starlink internet services to establish communication lines for rescue coordination. Rescuers are also installing off-grid, solar-powered energy kits and advanced water purification units flown in to support hospitals, clinics and various first responder sites in coordination with local government and humanitarian teams.

SmartAID founder and CEO Shachar Zahavi told The Times of Israel, “Our main mandate is to help as human beings.” He added that the real crisis on the ground was the collapse of electricity, internet and clean water, and that the equipment would be installed in hospitals, clinics and first responder sites.

Israel is a blessing to the world, just as the Bible says it would be.

Here at CUFI, we pray for all those affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela, including those who are mourning the death of loved ones, or have lost their homes and livelihoods. And we pray for the search and rescue teams from Israel and around the world, who do amazing work in saving lives and bringing aid and comfort.

Share
Tweet
WhatsApp
Email
Print
More