“One of the strategic supports that today I wish to disclose, share, and thank in a special way, is that of Israel--a country with which Mexico has always maintained an important political, cultural, and economic relationship,” Mexico City Secretary of Health Armando Ahued Ortega related in the aftermath of his country’s earthquakes.

Writing in the Mexican newspaper, Excelsior, the Health Secretary expressed his appreciation in the excerpts below:

“The Israeli army sent a brigade of 70 members, including engineers, search and rescue professionals, doctors, and logistics specialists. Their outstanding performance won the heart of all civil society, all over Mexico.

In an exchange of knowledge and experience, I had the opportunity to meet and work this past week with Israeli Dr. Esti Galili-Weisstub (from Hadassah Hospital), a prominent child and youth psychiatrist, whom the Israeli embassy suggested to us in order to exchange experiences that would allow us to define a strategic plan of support and communication for our society. Dr. Esti Galili-Weisstub has implemented and directed emotional support in southern Israel following the Gaza conflict in 2014 and in Sri Lanka after the 2004 tsunami.

Upon her arrival in Mexico City, we immediately started workshops with those in the medical staff of the Ministry of Health that have contact with children, the most important target audience, in order to sensitize them and provide them with tools to detect situations that reflect emotional and post-traumatic damage. We agree on the importance of working with the school system in preparing and providing teachers with the basic level knowledge and tools that are necessary to detect any sequels of the tragedy among the children of Mexico City, and then to be able to provide immediate assistance. Parents are very important in this process and we are also working with them. We are currently designing communication materials for everyone in Mexico City.

Thanks to Israel for their support and solidarity.”