A delegation of Israeli doctors and paramedics from Magen David Adom landed in Istanbul on Saturday night, where it will assist in treating Israelis who were injured in the terrorist attack in the city.
The delegation is equipped with advanced medical equipment that enables the doctors to provide treatment to the victims even during a flight.
Three of the wounded Israelis have already landed in Israel and were taken to hospitals around the country upon their arrival.
Upon the arrival of the Magen David Adom delegation to Istanbul, they met with representatives of the Turkish Red Crescent and were brought into contact with the three victims who were later flown to Israel. The delegation then went to the three hospitals in Istanbul where the injured are hospitalized in order to examine them and bring them back home as quickly as possible.
Magen David Adom said it continues to be constantly in constant contact with local officials in Turkey, with the Prime Minister’s Office in Israel, the Foreign Ministry, the IDF, other relevant government agencies and the International Red Cross.
Magen David Adom Director General Eli Bin said on Saturday night, “Immediately after news of the attack in Istanbul was received, Magen David Adom immediately dispatched a rescue team of doctors and paramedics. We have contingency plans for these situations which allowed us to get organized quickly, and within hours the delegation landed in Turkey. The delegation includes doctors and paramedics who will conduct an initial assessment of the medical condition of the wounded Israelis.”
“As the prime minister instructed us, we will fly them home as soon as possible,” continued Bin. “We are working in full coordination with the Foreign Ministry and the Turkish Red Crescent. Magen David Adom is doing everything to bring the wounded Israelis home as quickly as possible.”
In addition to the wounded Israelis, three Israelis were killed in the attack in Istanbul. One of them was named as Simcha Damari, 60, from Dimona. Her husband, Avi, sustained moderate injuries and is one of 10 Israelis who were wounded in the blast. He suffered leg fractures as well as a punctured lung and underwent an operation in Turkey.
The couple were in Turkey as part of a culinary tour.