Thursday, December 2, 2010

President Obama Pledges US assistance - "what friends do for each other" in WH candle lighting

(via YWN).President Barak Obama Mentioned the Israeli Wildfire In his yearly Chanukah Speech at the White House Chanukah party. In his opening remarks the President offered his deepest condolences to the families of those lost in today’s wildfire in Northern Israel. The President then stated that the United States is in touch with Israel, and will be providing assistance to Israel as quickly as possible.

"I want to begin by offering our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all of those who’ve died as a result of the terrible forest fire in northern Israel.

As rescuers and firefighters continue in their work, the United States is acting to help our Israeli friends respond to the disaster. A short while ago, our ambassador in Tel Aviv, Jim Cunningham, issued a disaster declaration, which has launched an effort across the U.S. government to identify the firefighting assistance we have available and provide it to Israel as quickly as possible. Of course, that’s what friends do for each other.

And, Mr. Ambassador, our thoughts and prayers are with everybody in Israel who is affected by this tragedy and the family and loved ones of those in harm’s way...."