Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Press Release (Communicated by the Bureau of Deputy Foreign Minister Ayalon)
Deputy Foreign Minister Ayalon meets with 14 Israeli police officers who are
leaving for Haiti to become the first ever contingent of Israelis to be in
active duty as part of United Nations forces
Today, (Wednesday, 25rd August), Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon met
with 14 Israeli police officers who are about to leave to join a
multinational policing force under the command of UN forces stationed in
Haiti. The delegation will become the first Israeli contingent to serve in
active duty under the command of the United Nations.
The Deputy Foreign Minister congratulated the officers and told them that
they represent Israel. “You are Israel’s true face. The value of human life
is important to all of us and you represent Israel and the Jewish spirit of
Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) to the international community,” Ayalon
told the officers. “This was already proven when Israel was amongst the
first to land in Haiti immediately after the earthquake and save so many
lives, you continue this tradition.”
“Your goal is to save human lives and help with law and order in Haiti. This
will further our standing in the world, which is especially important
against those who campaign to delegitimize us. This mission will demonstrate
to friends and foes alike that Israel is always willing to contribute and
volunteer anywhere and at any time. It is important for people to see Israel
beyond the conflict and to see that this is the real Israel. We are not only
strong materially, but also strong in spirit.”
“What you are doing is part of our foreign policy of cooperation in the
international agenda as a full member of the United Nations,” Ayalon said.
Deputy Police Chief Ilan Franco said that it was Israel’s honor to restore
public order in Haiti. “On Monday the contingent will leave for Haiti for a
number of months. This mission was coordinated between the Ministry of
International Security, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Israeli Police.
I am proud to say that this delegation is made up of our best forces.”
Representatives of the United Nations recognized Israel’s contribution and
congratulated the officers on their bravery and commitment.
Examples of this are the fact that two police officers have delayed their
wedding to take part in this mission and one officer’s wife is in the latter
stages of pregnancy. Officer Golan De-Leon said, “Even though this will be
my first child, I am personally committed to this mission and have the full
support of my wife.”
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Mr. Ashley Perry
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Deputy Foreign Minister’s Office
Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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