Turkey´s Ambassador to Israel Torunlar Thanked Rescue Teams

Translation by Janet MITRANI

During the official ceremony held at the Ben Gurion Airport for the Israeli teams', who had saved 19 people from the rubble in the framework of the Olive Branches Operation, return to Israel, Turkey's Ambassador to Israel Şakir Özkan Torunlar said, "Thank you very much Israel."

Ambassador Torunlar continued his speech by saying, "The south of Turkey was rocked by two great earthquakes, the worst national disaster of the last 100 years, on February 6th. 13.5 million people were affected, there are more than thirty-one thousand missing people, and approximately 100,000 people were injured.

However, thanks to Turkey's friends, many people were rescued by the search and rescue teams in the field. The Israeli government was among the first to send the rescue team. I salute everyone who came to the disaster site and started their duty immediately. You rescued 19 Turks, then set up a field hospital in less than 24 hours, and went into operation."

Torunlar also praised the many Israeli civil societies and NGOs who are demonstrating exemplary solidarity with the Turkish people.

During the welcoming ceremony, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu told the crowd consisting of the returning rescue team "You saved the world of 19 people... The Israeli nation has followed your endeavor with great pride. You have brought honor to the State of Israel.

We've seen you working in the cold, under harsh conditions around the clock. Besides, you showed the whole world the good and the true face of the State of Israel: a small country with a vast soul working with sublime strength and devotion to helping people in the most inconceivable circumstances wherever they are in the world."

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