Israel leaving equipment in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - The Israel government will leave most of its equipment to the Cebu provincial government  once its mission here will end.

Adam Levene, deputy chief of mission of the Israeli Embassy, told The FREEMAN yesterday that majority of their hospital equipment as well as the tents they used as hospital will be left behind.

“But of course, we will coordinate with the Cebu provincial government as to whom they will give these equipment,” Levene said.

Levene said the tents that they are using now for their hospital in Bogo City will also be donated.

“Maybe the provincial government will use this for the temporary classrooms but it’s really up to them on what to do with the tents at the end of the mission,” Levene added.

The 150 members of Israeli Defense Force were in Cebu since last week conducting medical missions and civil engineering works. Medical personnel from the IDF treated at least a thousand patients in the typhoon-stricken areas in northern Cebu. The medical mission is still ongoing.

Israeli Ambassador Menashe Bar-On said the other day after the turnover of the $500,000 worth of medicine to the provincial government that the cooperation between Israel and Cebu had been enhanced by Israeli government’s initiatives for long-term projects.

This week, the IDF mission will expand to other areas in northern Cebu.  The IDF termed its operation here as “Operation Islands of Hope.” — /LPM (FREEMAN)