Israeli and Jewish groups respond to Venezuela earthquakes, find warm reception despite frozen ties

Following twin earthquakes in Venezuela last month, Israeli and Jewish relief organizations, including IsraAid and SmartAID, dispatched search-and-rescue teams and long-term aid despite frozen diplomatic ties between Israel and Venezuela since 2009. These groups provided essential services such as water purification, telecommunications, and psychosocial support. Despite initial concerns about their reception, the aid efforts were warmly welcomed by local residents and the Venezuelan government, with interim President Delcy Rodriguez publicly thanking Israel for its military delegation. Yotam Polizer, CEO of IsraAid, noted, “if there’s one very hopeful thing, as a result of this tragedy, is that there’s a beautiful bridge that’s being built.” The disaster also strengthened ties with the local Jewish community, which mobilized quickly to provide shelter and support for displaced individuals and aid workers. Roberto Mishkin, president of the Ashkenazi community in Venezuela, expressed pleasure at the government's attitude, stating, “I’m really pleased by the attitude of the government.”