Israel sends 40-member medical delegation to support Jamaica

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Government of Israel, under the direction of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and in coordination with the Government of Jamaica, has deployed a 40-member medical delegation to support humanitarian relief efforts on the island. The initiative, organized by Israel’s Ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs at the invitation of Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Welfare, aims to provide technical assistance and specialized medical expertise to affected communities.

The delegation is led by Joseph Mendlovic, Deputy Director General of Israel’s Ministry of Health, and Professor Ofer Marin, a global expert in disaster medicine known for leading Israeli field hospitals in past crises such as the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the 2011 Japan tsunami, and the 2015 Nepal earthquake. The team includes physicians, nurses, and paramedics specializing in emergency medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, and public health, who will work alongside Jamaican medical staff at two hospitals designated by the Ministry of Health.

Israeli officials emphasized that the mission reflects the country’s long-standing commitment to global humanitarian assistance and its close ties with the Caribbean. Moshe Bar Siman Tov, Director General of the Ministry of Health, highlighted Israel’s extensive experience in disaster response, while Eden Bar Tal, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Israel’s dedication to strengthening relations with Jamaica and the region. Guided by the principles of “Tikkun Olam” (“to repair the world”) and the belief that “to save a life is to save the world,” the mission underscores Israel’s ongoing tradition of compassion, solidarity, and cross-border cooperation in times of crisis.