Peres honors foreign firefighters who helped put out fire

By JPOST.COM STAFF
President Shimon Peres hosted a special event Tuesday morning in honor of the foreign rescue and fire fighting delegations that assisted in extinguishing the Carmel fires, according to a statement by the Office of the President.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also participated om the event and, together with Peres, presented certificates of appreciation and awards to the heads of each foreign rescue delegation for their efforts in extinguishing the fire. 
Some 300 members of the various delegations participated in the event including fire fighters, pilots, emergency response experts, and Ambassadors from 10 countries. 
Peres, speaking at the event, said: “On behalf of the State of Israel, on behalf of all the people; children, women, parents, I want to thank all of you and each of you for coming so courageously, so promptly, to save lives and save land. Many times Israel has sent its people to aid countries that suffered earthquakes or fires. This is the first time that we have needed assistance from others.  We were touched by the amazing response – the response of countries and the human response on a personal level.  We lost many good people in this fire and we feel that you saved lives.
Netanyahu also thanked the delegations, saying: “In helping us douse the flames you have warmed the hearts of the entire nation and you have shown us that we are not alone.  You have shown us that around the world there are people of good will that will help us in our hour of need.