Israeli Rescue Team Arrives in Brazil To Help After Dam Breaks

JERUSALEM, Israel - An Israeli military search and rescue delegation arrived in Brazil on Sunday night to assist in rescue efforts after a dam collapsed there on Friday.

At least 58 people are dead and more than 300 people missing after iron ore waste from a mine flooded the city of Brumadinho.

Israel sent about 130 soldiers from its Home Front Command (Israel's Homeland Security) including engineering experts, doctors, search and rescue teams and firefighters.

THEY LANDED!  130 of our soldiers are now in Brazil. Their search & rescue efforts will soon begin. #IDFinBrazil   pic.twitter.com/410ckonvsy

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) January 28, 2019

National Search and Rescue Unit commander Col. Golan Vach is leading the delegation.

"We are looking forward to work(ing) side by side with local authorities, units who (have) already worked for three days. We hope with you, with the Brazilian people, to find and to rescue as much (many) people as we can," Vach said on the delegation's arrival.

"Brazil is in need of aid.  Israel will provide the best humanitarian aid possible that we are able to arrange on short notice in order to save lives and assist the Brazilian people," Vach said before the delegation left.

Despite its small size, Israel is often one of the first countries to offer assistance around the world when disasters strike.  

CBN's recent documentary "To Life: How Israeli Volunteers Are Changing the World" highlights such work of Israeli volunteers stepping in to help around the world.