The Fund for the Victims of Terror, operated by The Jewish Agency for Israel and made possible by contributions from Jewish Federations across North America, will provide financial assistance to Israelis wounded in the attack in Bulgaria and to the families of those killed.
Bulgarian authorities have now established that a suicide bomber, carrying an apparently fake U.S. passport, blew up a bus carrying newly arrived Israeli tourists, outside the airport of the resort city of Burgas. Shortly before the attack, security cameras caught the terrorist on tape that can be seen here.
Six Israeli tourists and the Bulgarian bus driver were killed in the attack, as was the suicide bomber.
A team of Israeli doctors and first responders, led by Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center Dir.-Gen. Prof. Gabriel Barbash, along with Foreign Affairs Ministry professionals and security personnel flew directly to Burgas last night, and an extended team from Israel arrived this morning. Shortly afterwards, Israel Air Force Hercules transport planes airlifted 32 of the wounded Israelis back to Israel. Another plane load of the injured will be flown back to Israel later today. An additional three Israeli victims in critical condition will remain hospitalized in Bulgaria. Footage of the Israeli team’s arrival can be seen here, and footage of the Israeli Zaka team can be seen here.
The Victims of Terror fund will help those affected by the attack address supplemental needs not covered by Israeli government bodies. Any family that experienced the loss or injury of a loved one in the attack may request assistance from the fund.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of this terrible attack,” said Kathy Manning, chair of JFNA's Board of Trustees. “We hope the support we are able to offer through the Victims of Terror Fund will provide those whose lives have been devastated with assistance and comfort in their time of need.”
The Fund, established in 2002, provides financial assistance to victims of terror in Israel. Since its establishment, the fund — which is sustained by contributions from Jewish Federations, philanthropic foundations and donors around the world — has enabled The Jewish Agency to provide thousands of terror victims and their families with assistance at a scope of more than NIS 100 million.In relation to the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated: “All signs point towards Iran. Over the last few months we have seen Iran’s attempts to attack Israelis in Thailand, India, Georgia, Kenya, Cyprus and other countries. Exactly 18 years to the day after the horrendous attack on the Jewish Community Center in Argentina, deadly Iranian terrorism continues to strike at innocent people. This is a global Iranian terror onslaught and Israel will react firmly to it.”
President Barack Obama called Netanyahu last night to express his condolences over the "barbaric" attack, which he called "outrageous."
Contributions to the Victims of Terror Fund can also be mailed to:
Jewish Federation of San Diego County
4950 Murphy Canyon Road
San Diego, CA, 92123
0 comments:
Post a Comment