In mid-February, Israel's Mediterranean coast was struck by a devastating oil spill. Rapid assistance was needed to prevent as much damage as possible. "Christians Standing with Israel" supported the Jewish National Fund's efforts with a donation. We have now received a thank-you note from the organization, which we are happy to pass on to our supporters.
“We would like to say THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts. We – that is the entire board of the JNF-KKL, all our German offices and of course a special TODA RABA from Israel […] for your swift, energetic and generous efforts to save our Israeli Mediterranean coast after the terrible oil spill!” This is how a letter from the “Jewish National Fund” (JNF-KKL) reads, which reached “Christians Standing with Israel” (CSI) at the end of April.
In February, Israel was struck by a devastating oil spill. The Israeli Mediterranean coast was affected along a stretch of more than 170 kilometers, from Haifa in the north to Ashkelon in the south. The head of the Nature and Parks Authority, Shaul Goldstein, described it as "one of the worst natural disasters to hit Israel since its founding (1948)." The causes of the accident remain unclear. According to media reports, a tanker sailing under the Libyan flag, carrying smuggled oil from Iran, allegedly dumped the crude oil. The ship's owner denies all accusations.
“Wave of cohesion and solidarity”
The extent of the disaster was quickly apparent: countless injured and dead marine animals washed up on the beaches. Rapid assistance was needed. The JNF-KKL statement reads: “In a great wave of unity and solidarity, various organizations, city administrations, soldiers, and private individuals from all over Israel joined forces and organized cleanup operations on the beaches.”
The JNF-KKL, with its youth organization "Chugei Sayerut," also organized aid – and received support from "Christians Standing with Israel" through a donation. The organization brought numerous young people from across the country to the work sites. These young people had to be equipped with protective clothing and masks, as well as provided with food and drink. "In a truly Sisyphean task, the young volunteers then cleaned the beaches by hand. Every piece of tar had to be collected. Polluted rocks – often vital habitats and feeding grounds for animals – had to be painstakingly scraped clean of tar. [...] Thanks to your support, dear 'Christians Standing with Israel,' we were able to overcome the logistical challenges."
The JNF-KKL participated in the cleanup efforts with its youth organization "Chugei Sayerut". It brought young people from all over the country to the deployment sites.
"The effort was worth it!"
Now, in its letter of thanks, the JNF-KKL announced: “The effort has paid off! After a period of hard and not entirely safe work by hundreds of volunteers, we can confirm that all beaches have been cleaned and reopened.” The letter continues: “Thanks to the swift, pragmatic assistance, we were able to remove an enormous amount of pollution very quickly, before crucial life stages begin in the spring for turtles, crabs, and other marine animals, which would not have been possible without your help.” Many animal lives have been saved as a result.
The current situation
In its letter, the JNF-KKL also provides an update on the current situation. According to the letter, fish from the region may now be consumed again, subject to certain conditions. This follows a month-long study of both sea quality and fish stocks. However, tar particles are still washing ashore, and deposits continue to be found on the seabed and in rock crevices on land. It is not yet possible to assess the full extent of the lasting damage to the ecosystem as a whole.
CSI says thank you: "A strong testament to our Jewish partners"
"Christians Standing with Israel" also extends its heartfelt thanks to all donors. Chairman Luca-Elias Hezel stated: "Your donations make a tangible and direct difference on the ground. This is clearly reflected in the JNF-KKL's expression of gratitude, and we are therefore pleased to pass on this thanks to those who have supported us and continue to do so. The palpable support of Christians standing with Israel is a powerful testament to our Jewish partners and friends!"
