IDF Aid Mission to Brazil

On Saturday, January 26th, 2019, the Brumadinho dam burst, vast areas were covered in mud and became submerged in water. According to Brazilian authorities, at least 34 people have died and hundreds are still missing. The IDF, in accordance with Israeli Government directives and in close coordination with the Brazilian Government, sent a search and rescue delegation with special teams to assist in the rescue effort.

The IDF aid mission has been dispatched to help save lives. Search and rescue teams will undertake extensive efforts to assist in using equipment, including advanced cellular location, naval sonar, and drones.

In preparation for the mission, the members of the delegation were given the necessary supplies, including vaccines and medical equipment.

Our Specialists Can Handle Difficult Conditions

The 130-soldier delegation consists of engineering experts, doctors, search and rescue teams, firefighters from the Israel Fire and Rescue Services, soldiers from the Israeli Navy's underwater missions unit (YATAM 707), the Oketz K9 unit, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), and the Israeli ambassador to Brazil, His Excellency, Mr. Yossi Sheli.

“70 are reserve personnel,” said Head of the IDF International Media Branch, Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus. “Most of these people are men and women with families, who leave their private and professional lives behind once they were called for this mission.”

Last November, the Home Front Command's National Search and Rescue Unit, which is part of the delegation, joined the United Nations’ INSARAG, a prestigious international community of search and rescue units from around the world.

The State of Israel and the IDF will continue to assist in the aftermath of disasters across the globe that require our experience.

Saving lives isn’t about how large the distance is, it’s about how far you’re willing to go.