How much does Israel's aid mission to Haiti cost the state?
If the delegation remains in earthquake-ravaged country for a month, the cost could reach eight figures.
By Ayala Tsoref and TheMarker Tags: Israel newsIsrael's rescue mission to earthquake-ravaged Haiti is costing the state some NIS 40 million, a sum which is likely to rise the longer the delegation remains in the country.
The Israel Defense Forces contingent cost NIS 30 million for the first week, according to figures obtained by TheMarker. Of the total, NIS 10 million was allocated for the construction of its satellite communications center and another NIS 10 million was spent for the jumbo aircraft carrying large quantities of medical supplies.
The state also spent some NIS 8 million for the Foreign Ministry delegation currently in Haiti.
Each additional day spent by the 230-strong Israeli delegation in Haiti will likely cost the state NIS 1.5 million, a figure which does not include communication costs.
If, as expected, the delegation remains in the country for an entire month, the total cost is likely to reach upwards of between NIS 80-90 million.
Such an expenditure would represent twice the amount that the Foreign Ministry spends on its public relations (hasbara) efforts. In 2009, its hasbara budget stood at NIS 40 million. In 2010, it will increase to NIS 45 million.
"During recent years the IDF has taken part in a number of aid delegations following earthquakes, missions in which the IDF has extended aid and contributed its experience in the field of search and rescue and medical care in both Israel and around the world," the IDF Spokesperson's Unit said. "In its efforts to aid others, the IDF acts on behalf of the state of Israel and in its name, first and foremost out of humanitarian concerns. Therefore the cost of the mission becomes a secondary topic."
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Someday we in Israel will need these people for a local emergency, so better that they are well-trained and ready. It may cost more to train by helping, but there are many benefits besides the obvious one of helping people. Many of the best recruits will want to join this unit now and that can only be good for Israelis.
Israel is not bragging for offering aid/support to Haiti. It's just that out of all the countries, it is pretty remarkable that Israel was one of the most generous given its small size in population and the fact it has its own security issues to deal with, with Al Quaida now posing major threats and Iran looming with its nuclear weapon attempts. Also, with the world condemning Israel for simply existing and trying to better itself and the world and defending its citizens against terror, Israel does NEED this positive press to prove to those condemners they are flat out wrong
This is the best PR Israel could ever get. I am very proud of Israel and so are many other Europeans. This aid is amazing and it might help us to see Israel in the right light. Long live Israel. Lang lebe Israel.
See why President of Haiti praised Israel. http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/video_viewer.php?clip=yz44iZKUMng&player=y
many countries provided help to haiti, arab countries included, but only israel brag about it.
As much as I sympathize with the plight of the people of Haiti, and recognize their desperate need for aid. Here in Israel we have 1.5 million people living below the poverty line. Israel is a small not very rich country. So why are we spending all this money to help the Haitians. The answer is not out of the goodness of our hearts. No! This is purely political. Its a damage repair job. To give Israel a humanitarian face, to counter all the negative publicity we get abroad.Countless times Israels aid to Haiti is featured on news programmes. While much bigger groups from other countries are hardy mentioned. I can only assume that news teams are being sleped along being told "Come and see our wonderful Israeli humanitarian effort". I'm sure the hungry people here at home are really thrilled by what our boys are doing in Haiti. As they go through another day of hunger and home grown politically induced misery.
premium prices. Israel is helping those in Haiti and you still have a right to complain. You are one very sick human being.
No nation in the world gets as much money from America as does Israel. This is a strange thing since Israel is not a poor nation and has a booming weapons industry. America is supplying money and weapons to a major weapons maker. I am sure that it is America who will end up footing the bills for Israels PR adventure in Haiti, so we must expect some inflated numbers in costs. is it possible that Israel can turn a profit from the Haiti earthquake? This is a legitimate concern for American taxpayers.
Given the amount spent on other actions, who cares? B'makom shein adam hishtadeil l'heyiot eish!
You are spending perhaps as much as $90 million to rescue people in Haiti. Sounds impressive until you compare it to the hundreds of millions it cost to fight the Gaza and Lebanese wars. (As usual, the term disproportionate comes to mind.) And that doesn't take into account the political cost -- falling support around the world. Congratulations. You have proved once again that death is more valuable to Israel than life.
The IDF stays does away with the satellite comms and the hospital which is doing fantastic work is given medicines etc by the International community? So the cost to Israel is the pay of the staff, which it would have had to pay anyway. Why must Israel's undoubted outstanding effort be seperate from the rest of the world
ISRAEL SHOULD BE VERY PROUD OF ITS AID CONTINGENT NO MATTER WHAT THE COST. THEY HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB IN HELPING THE HATIAN PEOPLE
and it doesn't come free. But if you must politicise this, then this is pretty good international public relations. After all, how many arab states have done anything yet, and how many will contribute funds with the secret intention of doing so to counteract Israel's good image. How many western nations have been as efficient at setting up working hospitals as the Israelis?
Does anyone know how to make a donation to this effort?
It's rare to see the local media (Brazil) to portray a good image of Israel, and now, finally, this has occurred
It's pity... but no word in the brazilian press about Zaka and the israelian aid mission ...why ??
I would like to suport the aid to Haiti via Israel.
I feel proud of this... you guys are the best !!