Israel sends aid to California as deadly fires rage

Nicky Blackburn

IsraAID has sent a team of emergency personnel to help the victims of the blazes in California that have killed 40 and razed 5,700 homes and businesses.

Aid workers from Israeli nonprofit IsraAID offer help to victims of the deadly fires in California. Photo courtesy IsraAID

A team of seven aid workers from Israeli humanitarian aid organization IsraAID are working in evacuation centers in California after the worst series of blazes in the state’s history.

Since the fires broke out almost a week ago, 40 people have been killed, 5,700 homes and businesses destroyed, and 100,000 people evacuated throughout the Napa Valley region. Even now, firefighters are struggling to control blazes that are racing towards new communities.

The Israeli team began work in Santa Rosa, California last week, and is helping to coordinate and provide relief supplies and stress management to the affected community.

“The situation on the ground is overwhelming and the need for both physical and emotional support is urgent. The loss of lives, houses and the news about Camp Newman are hard to digest,” said Yotam Politzer, co-CEO of IsraAID.

Some 5,700 homes and businesses have been destroyed in the fires. Photo courtesy IsraAID

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