In the midst of the war with Iran and despite its own security challenges, Israel sent a disaster-response team to Venezuela last week. The country’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, publicly thanked Israel during a televised address—a sign that the Jewish state continues to assist others even during times of crisis.
Strongest earthquakes since 1900 leave more than 2,600 dead
On June 24, two powerful earthquakes struck northwestern Venezuela—the strongest recorded in more than 125 years. More than 2,640 deaths have so far been confirmed, over 12,600 people were injured, and tens of thousands remain missing.
Israel dispatched an advance humanitarian delegation on July 2 to assess conditions on the ground and begin coordinating with Venezuelan authorities and emergency services.
The delegation is being led on behalf of the Foreign Ministry by Yoed Magen, Israel’s ambassador-designate to Mexico, together with Brig. Gen. Elad Edri, chief of staff of the IDF Home Front Command.
Contact with the Israeli government was facilitated through a Rabbi Cohen, who served as a liaison with Venezuela’s Jewish community.
Rodríguez praises “highly specialized and professional team”
During a televised address on Thursday, Rodríguez, Venezuela’s acting head of state, explicitly thanked Israel.
“Yesterday, we received a highly specialized and professional group from Israel, contacted through Venezuela’s Jewish community,” she said. “I am grateful. It is a highly trained and professional team.”
She also personally thanked Rabbi Cohen for helping facilitate the mission.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry shared Rodríguez’s remarks on X, writing: “We thank Venezuela’s acting president for recognizing the efforts of the Israeli search-and-rescue team.”
Thank you to Venezuela’s Interim President, Delcy Rodríguez, for recognizing the efforts of the Israeli search and rescue team that came to assist following the earthquakes.
🇮🇱🤝🇻🇪 pic.twitter.com/stS7wScAO2— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) July 3, 2026
Israel’s role as a humanitarian power
Israel has long been known for responding rapidly and effectively to natural disasters around the world, from Haiti and Japan to Turkey.
Even while fighting its own war against Iran, facing continuing missile attacks and deploying soldiers on several fronts, Israel has found the resources to assist another country.
That should not be taken for granted. It reflects an aspect of Israel’s national character that is frequently overlooked in international coverage.
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