IsraAID brings humanitarian aid to flood-stricken Nepal

Two days after catastrophic flash floods struck Nepal on August 26, IsraAID, an Israeli humanitarian aid organization, began distributing hygiene kits and offering mental-health support to thousands of children. The floods, triggered by a collapsing glacier, have killed at least 1,259 people and left over 5,000 missing. IsraAID's mission head in Nepal, Mai Leshem, stated, "The situation on the ground is still very challenging, as search and rescue is still the priority of the government." The organization, with a team of seven, focuses on immediate humanitarian needs like providing family hygiene kits and psychological support for children. IsraAID's independence from the Israeli government allows it to operate in countries where political considerations might complicate direct governmental assistance. Communications Director Ethan Shwartz emphasized, "Politics are irrelevant in a moment of crisis." IsraAID plans to remain in Nepal as long as needed, similar to its four-year presence after the 2015 earthquake.