U.S. turns down Israeli offer of extensive humanitarian aid

The United States has turned down Israel's offer to provide more extensive aid for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina, Israel Radio reported Friday.

A special El Al flight departed for New Orleans on Thursday morning carrying goods for Hurricane Katrina refugees.

The Boeing 747 cargo plane was loaded with 90 tons of goods including food, bottled water, tents, diapers and baby formula.

Another El Al plane carried Foreign and Defense Ministry delegations.

"As the national carrier, El Al enlists to provide aid throughout the world. We are proud to take part in every humanitarian operation and to help as best we can," CEO Haim Romano said.

The Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce also joined aid efforts. Yehezkel Daskal, the federation's new director general, appealed to all FICC members to get on board.

"I believe that aid can and should come from Israel's private sector and not just the government. The United States and the American people have displayed true friendship towards Israel over the years, and now it is our chance to express willingness and reciprocate in a time of need," Daskal wrote to members, asking them to contribute food products, clothing, toys, medications and baby products.

The UJA Federation of New York, meanwhile, has announced it will help absorb some 5,000 refugees from New Orleans under a plan drawn up by New York State Governor George Pataki.

Nearly 3,000 New York Jews contributed $700,000 to the UJA's Katrina fund by yesterday morning, while the United Jewish Communities of North America have raised more than $4 million thus far.

The Jewish Federation of Houston is participating in volunteer efforts to feed 15,000 refugees from New Orleans who have found shelter in the Houston Astrodome. Houston has taken in about half of New Orleans' Jewish community - some 5,000 refugees.