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Israeli DVI team joined by Minister of Civil Defence, Matan Vilnai and Ambassador Tzur

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday 9 March 2011, 09.00 am
Press Release: Embassy of Israel

DVI team saluted by Israeli ambassador

The work of an Israeli disaster-victim identification (DVI) unit brought to New Zealand to help in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake has received official praise. The team arrived last Monday, February 28 and left early today, March 9.

Speaking in Christchurch, Israel’s Ambassador to New Zealand, Shemi Tzur, paid tribute to the work of the eight-person police unit whose members worked alongside their counterparts from a number of nations at the Burnham Military Camp.

Mr Tzur was in the camp yesterday, joining local authorities bidding a warm farewell to the Israeli team.

“Both myself and the unit have nothing but praise for the level of professionalism and for the cooperation by all staff, both local and international” Mr Tzur said.

“I wish to once again express our deepest sympathies and condolences to the government and people of New Zealand for the tragic loss of life and heavy damage sustained to the country’s beautiful Garden City."

The Ambassador further expressed his gratitude to all those involved in the identification and repatriation of the three young Israelis whose lives have been lost.

“While we certainly would not wish for the reoccurrence of this type of horrific situation, the Israeli Government always remains ready to offer what assistance it can to New Zealand in any such event”.

ENDS

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