The IDF ends its mission in Haiti. Photos: Ran Ladin, IDF Spokesperson

During the delegation 1000 people were treated of wounds. Ran Ladin, IDF Spokesperson

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During a military ceremony held at the IDF field hospital established in the capital of Haiti, Port-au-Prince, the Israeli flag was raised and respects were paid to the Commander of the Colombian delegation which cooperated with the IDF delegation. Attending the ceremony were members of the delegation of the Colombian Army.

Col. Dr. Itzik Kreis, Commander of the IDF mission in Haiti, spoke during the ceremony. “We came here a short time after the earthquake that shocked this island. We came to help, to save lives, to lend a hand. However, above all else, we came to give hope,” said Col. Dr. Kreis. “The people of Haiti are a special nation, even in moments of terrible disaster, they knew how to comport themselves nobly out of mutual respect and respect for those who came to help them. I am glad we were given the privilege of helping this nation and wish them success in reaching a brighter future together with the nations of the world,” he added.

In reference to the IDF delegation Col. Dr. Kreis said: “There are no other nations with the strength, the willingness, the dedication, to help in this way. A small country on the other side of the globe that knew to send a large and professional hospital at the right time. I saw you in the hardest moments fighting for the right to save life," added Dr. Kreis at the ceremony. "You brought life to the world. You were awarded with the smile of a baby. You were awarded with the smile of a child who simply received a toy. You were awarded with a prayer dance of an indebted mother. We built a field hospital to the best of our abilities, we did not compromise, we made a wonderful job, we improvised and never gave up. We dealt with harsh medical dilemmas.”

The hospital commander also thanked the cooperation of other bodies in the delegation. “People from the Home Front Command, Foreign Ministry officials, and the medical staff helped us to concentrate our efforts on the patients,” noted Col. Kreis.

Commander of the Colombian Delegation: “You Treated us like Brothers”

The Commander of the Colombian Delegation, Col. Segura, also addressed the ceremony and thanked the Israeli team excitedly. “During difficult times we worked together in the Israeli field hospital, shoulder to shoulder. As Commander of the Colombian Medical Team I would like to thank you in the name of my country, military and team. You treated us like brothers,” said Col. Segura.

The Colonel closed his address by saying in Hebrew:  “We will tell this story to our grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A big thank you to the people of Israel.” The military ceremony ended with the Israeli national anthem and the exchange of the national flags from Col. Segura's hands to Col. Kreis and vice versa.

Delegation aid: over 1,000 wounded were treated

During the 12 days of the IDF's delegation assistance in Haiti, 1000 people were treated of wounds, 314 surgeries were performed and 16 births delivered. This morning, Tuesday (Jan. 26), the last injured patient was released from the IDF field hospital established in the earthquake stricken Island. The team will leave some equipment such as tents, medicines and medical equipment for use by other medical teams that are expected to remain in Haiti for an additional period of time. Heavy equipment however will be returned to Israel.

On Monday morning (Jan. 25), the Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, and the Israeli government had approved the recommendation of his Deputy, the GOC of the Home Front Command, Maj. Gen. Yair Golan, and the Chief Medical Officer, Brig. Gen. Nahman Esh, to order the return of the IDF delegation to Israel. The members of the delegation will be landing in Israel on Thursday afternoon (Jan. 28).

This decision was made after additional aid forces of the US military and other military and civilian bodies arrived in Haiti and began providing medical care. In addition, most of the local hospitals are functional again. In the meantime, the Home Front Command search and rescue teams have been providing other aid for civilians, such as the installation of water tanks and assistance in daily life, after it was decided to cease rescue attempts.
Following the return of the delegation to Israel, the Medical Corps, the Home Front Command and the IDF in general will hold a series of meetings analyzing the operations in Haiti, in order to improve its preparedness for similar events in the future.