Lawrence girls take the lead in IsraAID relief effort

IsraAID volunteers working together with a group of friends from the Five Towns who are Queens College students did a remarkable job rehabbing homes in the Rockaways. The group, led by Sari Gartner and Tziporah Pill, both of Lawrence, have prior experience in disaster relief.

“In eleventh grade we had the opportunity to go to New Orleans and do relief work there. When Hurricane Sandy hit so close to home we felt it was our duty as New Yorkers to help out in the aftermath. Although neither of our houses were affected by the storm, many of our close family and friends unfortunately were. We felt as though this was the least we could do during such a trying and difficult time. Although the work was difficult, IsraAid made the experience one that we will never forget for the rest of our lives. Strangers at first, we came together as one family and successfully accomplished the work we set out to do. Thank you to the IsraAid team for all you have done here in New York, you’re truly are amazing”

IsraAID is an Israeli based non-profit, non-governmental organization responding to humanitarian crisis and development challenges globally. In the past 10 years, they have had operations in over 40 countries. At present, they have long term projects in Haiti, South Sudan, Japan.

Since its creation in 2001, IsraAID has become synonymous with a rapid response to humanitarian crises. IsraAID brings Israeli expertise to combat poverty and alleviate suffering. Its medical teams, search & rescue units, post trauma experts, community

specialists and other Israeli professionals have led international relief teams in natural disasters and civil strife around the world. These have included assistance to victims of the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka, floods in Kenya, war in Georgia, earthquakes in Peru, Hurricane Katrina in the U.S., terror attack victims in India, communities devastated by cyclones in Myanmar and the Philippines, flooding in Pakistan, earthquake in Haiti, earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and most recently Hurricane Sandy in the U.S.

IsraAID team (now 6) arrived in NYC following Sandy. Since then, with the generous support of UJA, with participation of local volunteers and in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Westchester, NY Cares and World Cares, they have been aiding affected households and community institutions in the Rockaways and in Coney Island.