California (PRWEB) April 8, 2010 – Within 48 hours of the 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Haiti last January 12, 230 Israelis were sent to provide aid. As early as January 16, and long before the troops from many other countries arrived, an Israeli field hospital was established.
This solidified the efforts of one of the most conflict-ridden countries in the Middle East to help one of the poorest countries in the Western hemisphere. Long after the novelty and urgency of donating funds to the victims of the earthquake had faded, Israel continues to give.
Successful entrepreneur and philanthropist Mouli Cohen comments on the giving spirit of Israel amidst its own turbulent times.
“Although it may be tempting to point to their religious background as an explanation for Israel’s’ valiant efforts in Haiti,” says Cohen, “it is more than just that. Perhaps it’s a shared sense of long-term suffering that we, as a people, can identify with.”
In fact, the Jewish population in Haiti is known to be less than 200 – a figure less than the number of people Israel sent to Haiti as part of its humanitarian effort.
Yet, a team of 40 doctors, 24 nurses, paramedics and other health care personnel is far from the most impressive feature of what CBS called the “Rolls Royce of Medicine in Haiti.” The Israeli IDF hospital had a mini blood bank, X-ray equipment, pharmacy, OBGYN, emergency room, children’s ward, and other features that no other field hospitals have.
“Although such immediate efforts in Haiti have concluded, and this in itself would have been enough, the volunteers went beyond mere disaster response and flew home a six-year-old Haitian boy in need of heart surgery for a congenital heart defect,” added Cohen referring to Woodley Elysee, who was able to receive proper treatment last month at the Wolfson Medical Center in Holon.
“Altruism tends to breed more altruism in the hearts of good people.” Mouli Cohen said, adding that Israel’s efforts show that especially in times of great need, we all have a responsibility to help our fellow man.
About Mouli Cohen
Mr. Cohen is a successful entrepreneur who has founded and developed successful ventures in the biotechnology, high technology, digital media and entertainment sectors. He has balanced his success in business with philanthropic activities. Over the years he has supported children’s charities, food programs, medical research, and the arts as well as education projects both in the US and abroad.