Israel mulls adoption of Haiti quake orphans
VIDEO: IDF team pulls 22-year-old man from rubble 10 days after massive quake struck Caribbean country.
By Dana Weiler-Polak Tags: Israel newsSocial Affairs Minister Isaac Herzog has instructed the staff Social Affairs Ministry to look into the possibility of adopting Haitian children, orphaned in the devastating earthquake which hit the island almost two weeks ago, Israel Radio reported on Saturday.
The ministry's director-general Nachum Itzkovitz was instructed by Herzog to jointly inspect, together with Finance Ministry deputy director Rafi Barak, Israel's ability to legally adopt the orphans according to the relevant international treaties as well as to international adoption laws.
"We are proud that that Israel aided the horrible distress in Haiti and we have a moral obligation, as human beings, to aid these children," Herzog said.
"I consider [the adoption] a completion of Israel's humanitarian aid in Haiti," Herzog said.
"This is a great effort which aside from aiding the children will bring great joy to families that wish to adopt a destitute child," the Social Affairs minister added.
Herzog also said that Israel would work in "full cooperation with UNICEF to bring dozens of children, in line with the demand which our ministry has already noticed" from local families.
"We must be broad-hearted and understand that it is a beautiful act of mercy," Herzog said.
Israelis had reportedly contacted the Welfare Ministry over the course of the last week, inquiring as to the possibility of adopting Haitian orphans.
Herzog had contacted Israel's envoy to the Dominican Republic, Amos Radian, who is also in charge of relations with Haiti, and asked him to submit an official request in the matter.
It is estimated that, considering the political ramifications of the earthquake, an answer in the matter will arrive within a few weeks.
Aside from Israel, Haiti's authorities have also received adoption requests from Spain, the Netherlands, as well as from the United States.
Israel is a signatory to an international children's adoption treaty, with about 200 children adopted by Israeli families worldwide, through sevrn Social Affairs-ministry sanctioned groups.
The children arrive in Israel and undergo conversion to Judaism in specialized rabbinical courts.
The regulated maximal cost of such an adoption is 22,000 euros, with an optional 15 percent discount to low-income families.
Earlier Saturday, United Nations declared the search-and-rescue phase over for the survivors of the massive quake.
While the search-and-rescue phase was ending, humanitarian and relief efforts were still being ramped up, the UN added.
The Haitian government has confirmed 111,481 deaths from the quake, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in its latest report on the relief effort.
Just hours before the UN announcement, an Israeli search team pulled a severely dehydrated 22-year-old man from the rubble of his bedroom a staggering 10 days after an earthquake levelled much of the Haitian capital.
Emmannuel Buso was so ghostly pale that rescuers said his mother thought he was a corpse. However, doctors found him in relatively good shape despite his ordeal and he is expected to make a full recovery.
Buso said from his bed in an Israel Defense Forces field hospital near Haiti's main airport that he survived by drinking his own urine and spent most of his time under the debris in a listless daze, at times dreaming of his mother and thinking that he had in fact died.
"I am here today because God wants it," Buso said in an interview with The Associated Press.
The Israeli team is one of a number of such groups that have been searching countless destroyed buildings in the tropical heat following the 7.0-magnitude quake Jan. 12.
Elsewhere Friday, an 84-year-old woman was said by relatives to have been pulled from the wreckage of her home, according to doctors administering oxygen and intravenous fluids to her at the General Hospital. Doctors said she was in critical condition.
The European Commission says international rescue crews have rescued more than 125 people since the 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck, but successes have grown increasingly rare as time passes. Much of the focus of the quake's aid workers has shifted to helping the hundreds of thousands of newly homeless in the impoverished nation and some rescue crews have started to depart because of the time since the quake.
The Israeli team has found four people alive. Their field hospital has treated more than 500 people and delivered 14 babies.
Maj. Amir Ben David, the head of the Israeli search-and-rescue team, said he has never seen anyone survive as long as Buso under such circumstances. He said the rescue is a reminder of the importance of continuing their efforts.
"This has given us a lot of hope that we can find more people," Ben David told AP. "We will keep going until the end of our mission."
Israeli searchers had been going through Port-au-Prince asking people if they knew of anyone who might be trapped. They encountered Buso's relatives, who thought he might still be alive.
They pulled away some debris, called out to him and, to everyone's surprise, he responded.
Buso, a slender student and tailor with deep-set eyes, said he had just come out of the shower when the quake hit.
"I felt the house dancing around me," he said from his bed, covered by a reflective heat blanket in the hospital field tent. "I didn't know if I was up or down."
He passed out and lay in a daze, dreaming at times that he could hear his mother crying. The furniture in his room had collapsed around him in such a way that it created a small space for him amid the ruins of the house. He had no food. When he got desperately thirsty, he drank his urine.
Capt. Kheir Ashraf, the doctor who treated Buso, said he has no doubts about the man was buried since the quake. But he also said Buso is in remarkably good health, all things considered.
"He is in good condition and he will recover," Ashraf said. "Listen, his laboratory exams are better than mine."
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If the children from Haiti are not to be converted to Judiasm then they should be adopted by non-Jewish people. No one is stopping that.
Do not love somebody because of the unfortunate situation. Allowing them to live in their own country with their own culture instead of adopting them and subject to all sort humilliation. We know how non jews are treated in Israel.Very soon life would be normal in haiti.Thankx to IDF
Converting these children would dishonor their parents' memory. These are not children whose parents abandoned them and they ought to be raised in their parents' culture and religion.
As Emmanuel said, "G-d wanted it", because this man as many and most Haitians, have a tremendous belief in G-d. And as his name states, "Imanu El", G-d was w/him. I wish him and all the survivors a refuah shelemah and recovery. I hope that the tent cities for the homeless thousands will soon be up and running, until people can get their bearings, so at least they have a chance at survival w/adequate food, shelter and clothing. Everyone's basic right.
Israel is to be greatly admired for their quick and excellent performance in Haiti.
is Egypt still being *assisted to shoot Black African asylum seekers attempting to flee into Israel? *IDF fire flares to "draw attention" of Egyptian soldiers to sites where refugees and asylum seekers are crossing. Egyptian soldiers killed 39 people trying to cross into Israel during 2008-2009 according to Amnesty International. IDF allegedly handcuffed/blindfolded African refugees and forcibly send them back over the border to Egypt. Eye witness account of Egyptian soldiers then shooting at the group of refugees. Reference: Human Rights Watch. Impunity Watch/Middle East.
dangerous to take the kids to another country when they don't even know if the parents are living or not! it will cause chaos. At the moment nobody knows exactly who was killed and who wasn't.... I foresee a lot of trouble
Yes Mark Lincoln Israel was ready and the reason for this is because they live in a constant,chaotic fog of islamic terror and are surrounded by people who wish to destroy them. They have to think of everything and this is a very difficult way to live...yet they produce more than most countries...things that better our lives and save our lives. Do you honestly think that by saying that Israel acted in such a stellar way excuses your rants on a daily basis...No it does not.
Sarah, where does the sick idea you have come from???? As far as Jews are concerned all people are worthy. As opposed to Islam, we Jews DO NOT have dhiminis. I believe you mistake your friends' ideas for ours... Nothing further from the truth. If children are adopted into Jewish homes it is up to the parents and the degree of observance of those parents what to teach their children vis a vis religion. That is not indoctrination, that is what family is ...a unit.
I wonder where the rich petrodollars stuffed moslem sheiks are...They "addopted" tens of thousands of little african girls from Darfur into their harems... Pretty soon,the same moslems will start barking that Israel is addopting children to harvest their organs...Methane eruptions to this effect already appeared on antisemitic blogs,about the work of the Israeli recue team...
extraordinay is fundamental to show to the world the humanitarian roots of the state of israel.we canot ony show our militaristic face.
OK, PR is PR but what happens to these kids after the PR is over?
I admire Israeli's desire to adopt these children. Please! Stop and think! If non-Jews adopted Jewish children and converted them to Christian faiths, there would be a huge uproar about antisemitism. Adoptive parents should make sure they do their best to raise the children in whatever faith they held before adoption, or it will become just another one of those issues for hatemongers. I'm nonjewish, with 3 (now adult) Israeli 'godchildren'(the parents' kind identification of both difference and inclusion)...when one wanted to live with me, I reminded them that living with a nonJew meant they would have to go to both regular school and Hebrew school, since I couldn't teach them their faith/heritage. In fact, the purpose of godparents is having someone you trust to raise a child the way the original parents would...should adoptive parents do any less?
I agree with all the other posters praising Israel's superb efforts in Haiti - wonderful work has and is being done by the IDF there, all credit to them. However, I find it a bit worrying that Israel would consider converting orphaned children to Judaism, when they have been brought up in a different religion and culture. Religion should be an informed, personal choice, and not pushed upon a child. Perhaps a 'middle way' could be for Israeli couples to adopt a child, bring him or her up with Jewish values, then the child could decide for his/herself whether to formally convert upon reaching adulthood?
In the late 1940's there was a huge number of orphanages to take in the refugee children. With the course of time, that source dried up and instead of closing them and laying off the staff, the left-wing govt, always anxious to protect its employees, sought other solutions to fill the orphanages. This is the reason why Israel has one of the highest, if no the highest number of children taken into care by the social services. The kids in those homes are not on vacation; many are subject to abuse and later turn to crime and drugs. Now the ministry has discovered the perfect source to fill the orphanages and appear caring to the world. But what will happen to those children when they grow up? Will they be repatriated? Will they be used for menial labour? This diabolical plot must be stopped immediately.
It's very commendable what Israel has done in Haiti, but its record at home with its own people of a darker colour, jews, is much less than admirable. Fund the orphans adoption but don't bring them to Israel, even if you make them jews you'll enviably treat them like dirt once their novelty wears out. Ethiopian jews will tell you the same thing.
22,000 euros??? to adopt? Who gets that money? Adoption shouldnt cost money, it should be funded...
I can't believe that people are really complaining if Israeli's adopt these children Why shouldn't they ? It is ok for Spain and the netherlands or the US but not Israel ? Most children who are adopted grow up in the faith of the adopting parent. That is what happens. Charity does start at home but children in the US or Israel or Spain etc,,, that are waiting for adoption already have it better by virtue of where they were born. Why chastise people that want to adopt a haitian child ? Studies will show you that one of the most important things in a childs upbringing is LOVE. I am sure that the adoptive parents be they from Israel,Spain or America have plenty of that to go around. Never miss the chance to make Life better for someone regardless of where they are from,
Oh, yeah....I forgot....there ISN'T one in Gaza and Israel is the CAUSE of the continued catasrophe there....my bad. By the way...let the Haitain children be raised by their relatives.
Israel is a jewish Democrat State. The Only safe heaven for jews, israel continues compromising itself just to fit in the world's political correctness. there plenty of Eastern europeans,South American and nOrth American Jewish orphans, South African. Why not bring them back to their land? Thank you please reconsider this process. We have enough problems with the Sudanese already
gnoms like Dino and American mixtures of Marx with Neturei Karta ,like Colin Wright.
intend to adopt a Haitian kid and wants to burden Israel as much as possible.
Osama, Correct, Haitians people do not shoot rockets at other nations and do not blow up themselves in pizza shops, cinemas, restaurant and buses neither in Haiti, nor outside of it. Before complaining about Israel, Palestinians need to learn to behave like civilized people do and think hard what government they would like to represent them. Any small peaceful gesture would be reciprocated by Israel and the entire Jewry. We don't want to rule you or control your lives. Please be peaceful, recognize Israel and there would be no attacks as long as your people reject killing mine.
Sarah, Israel is a Jewish state and hence majority of the people are Jews and their religion is Judaism. Majority of the families, who want to adopt the children are Jewish, so they would like their children to be of the same religion as them. Also while it's not an issue to be a gentile in Israel, it's better to be a Jew there. For instance, there is no civil marriage in Israel. People marry either in synagogues, churches or mosques. The Jewish families, who would adopt those kids would prefer them to marry a Jew and without conversion to Judaism, it's impossible to do that in Israel. Sometimes people of different religions go to Cyprus or anywhere else in the world and marry and it's still recognized in Israel, but you understand my point, I guess.
Ronny As you say Israel was one of the first countries to send people, it sent the best equipped field hospital where other countries send their injured to if they were anything more than small wounds and the government has committed people for another month. When you have women naming their babies Israel more than anything else shows that the people are grateful. David The children will be brought up in the atmosphere of their adopted family. If an ultra orthodox jew adopts a catholic baby the jews are not going to take the child to church. The child will grow up in a jewish home like jews and respecting jewish traditions There will certainly not be any catholicism teachings or traditions, but of course if thats a problem for the child they are welcome to remain orphans in Haiti.
"we are the greatest, smartest and most wonderful people on earth" You're obviously not perceptive enough to realize this is a sign of insecurity.
well done to the team, great work saving lives and the adoption of orphans should be welcomed but why is the 'conversion' or should i say the indoctrination of children even be necessary? teach them about your culture and history but they do not need a certificate from a Rabbi to be worthy of acceptance.
Will these children be converted ?
Israel has had issues with the influx of blacks (even Jewish blacks) and goyim. The only way would be for the state to give a generous allowance to the adoptive parents. Every time Israel spends a dollar, I feel a pain in my pocketbook.
There are some 50.000 abortions performed in Israel every year. How about adopting some of those would be babies?
in Israel singing hava nagilah.
"The ministry's director was instructed by Herzog to inspect Israel's ability to legally adopt the orphans according to the relevant international treaties as well as to international adoption laws." Since when has international law stopped Israel from doing what it pleases. Too bad these children will be brainwahsed and used as pawns when they grow up to further the Greater Israel project. That is if theer is an Israel at that point.
watching that rescue brought tears to my eyes. I don't have the words to communicate how humbled, and in awe I am of the Isreali sacrifice for Haitian poeple. Fantastic!
I understand you don't want to hear the Israelis bragging. They should really take a tip from the Arab Nations, who as far as I know have said nothing.
There are hundreds of Homes for Orphaned Jewish Children.These should be adopted first.TIKUM OLAM STARTS AT HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The US Marine Corps ran Haiti from 1915 to 1935. Marines trained the Haitian Army. The earliest use of the Marine Corps slang word 'Gook" I have found was in a book written by one of Uncle Sam's Misguided Children involved in the occupation.
thank you israel, for everything, i wish you the best in 2010 and beyond... as for the 'often-offended' and 'cultured and peaceful' nations of the islamic regimes... where were you when haiti (the world) needed you? oh yea thats right, you were too busy planning more 'peaceful non-violent' car bombings and preparing more suicide vests... my mistake for even asking...
I never felt so emotional seeing the horrible circumstances on the ground the Haitians are enduring. I also never felt so proud of the team of countries including my own out there assisting. I hope the world continues to assist long after it leaves the front page. There has to be some way we can pull this country up so that Haitans can better help themselves.
I'm so proud of you guy's from IDF.
Everyone who has pitched in to help Haiti deserves credit. The Israeli team has performed brilliantly. The combination of preparation and readiness allowed Israelis to arrive quickly and with the skills, equipment and materials needed. All the compassion in the world does not make up for being ready to act quickly in disasters such as this one. Israel was ready.
"he UN saw Israel is saving lives.. so it wants it STOPPED! count on the UN to give an order to stop all attempts to rescue more Haitians," - amir Amir, as you clearly did not read the article the first line is: "The Haitian government declared the search-and-rescue phase over for the survivors of the massive quake, the United Nations said Saturday." It was the HAITIAN GOVERNMENT which called an end to SAR activities not the UN. The known death toll is now over 111,000 and the number of 'rescues' recorded since organized efforts started is 134. In response to public demand the Haitian government has announced it will not halt SAR activities. Efforts continue. . .
of good we ar ong. How about americans like Mark of Lewiston, bragging in #4 and #9. #2 Colin Wright bragging,also annoys you? Or your discomfort is reserved for jewish humanitarian help.
This job is something that would make anyone feel proud on this courageous team. The world would appreciate the virtues of this IDF team. But I wonder about the same virtues when battling Palestinians in Gaza or Westbank. Both people in Palestine and Haiti are humans, both of them need to live, both of them need peace. So how could IDF have this double standards in treating humans. One may argue, that Pals are attacking Israelis, but is that an excuse to kill thousands of people? is it an excuse to demolish their homes? I really wish that IDF would have the same virtues in Palestine.
This beats the Hanukkah miracle by 2 days!
And for once, as a reward, no "but" from me...:) (But I would still hope, the usual "we are the greatest, smartest and most wonderful people on earth" crowd will this time abstain, and enjoy that success story quietly, without bragging....)
Israel will always be there for those that are in need of rescue, for many Haitians believe in G-d. They see Israel in a biblical sense. Strange as it may seem. So it was told to me by a Haitian here in Switzerland. The same fellow also told me, that that US has committed itself to the rebuilding of Haiti. One cannot but admire, how the US has also shown compassion and dedicated logistics and people. Then again, Hurricane Katrina was a lesson well learnt. Bravo to the Clinton / Bush enterprise. Thank you Israel for making us proud.
count on the UN to give an order to stop all attempts to rescue more Haitians, only a few hours after Israel freed another Haitian from the rubble and saved his life. The UN doesn't like Israel looking soo good in the BBC cameras.
Israel has done herself proud, It's nice to see so many people have been helped by the IDf.
When will Israel ever get the positive news that she deserves? The job Israel had done in Haiti is amazing. World ''listen up''
Two units of the US Marine Expeditionary Force Forward are leaving Iraq for Haiti as I write this They'll join a US Navy hospital ship and carrier task force and the other 10,000 US Marines and Army people already on the ground in Haiti. The US Air Force (Redhorse) has built two additional Airports in the last week or so for Port-au-Prince. Kudos to the Israeli team.
The bashers can say what they like but for such a small country Israel is doing a marvellous job as are all the countrys aiding but give kudos where it is due.This is what Judaism is about helping those that need it no matter who they are.
now where is the the rest of the middle east in all this. They are trying to sell oil at twice the price they should be selling it so they can support terrorism against the Israel and the rest of the non Muslim world.
KOL HAKAWOD TO ZAHAL Several European delegations, like Holland, Belgium, and UK already retuirned their delegations, because they believed "Their could not be anymore survivers". The Israelis think different. Nothin g is mnore important than to save lives. They were among the first resque teamks arriving in Haiti, they were the first to erect a fully equipped field hospital. Is this the nation to br blamed for war crimes? The world should be ashame!
Colin, I respect your fairness here. Why don't you come over to Israel and get a close and undistorted fresh look at the reality of our society as well as the Palestinian one. We are certainly far from being perfect, but you might be surprised!
The Israeli team is doing good work. No doubt. It should also be noted that the single runway airport is now supplemented by two new airports, built by the US Air Force in the last week. And the Seaport is now open and the US Hospital ship has arrived and is treating the injured. Also of note is that on the day the carrier, USS Carl Vinson. arrived, a woman in labor was pulled from the rubble by US Marines and her son, named Vinson, was born on the carrier. KUDOS to the Israeli team. Others are doing their parts, too.
Israeli bashes are not going to like this. GOOD WORK ISRAEL
Maybe there is some hype, and I'm certainly not about to start giving money to AIPAC -- but Israel's performance here is pretty impressive. Give credit where credit's due.
Bravo