Activity After Action Report

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Activity After Action Report ACTIVITY AFTER ACTION REPORT Guatemala City and Zacapa, Guatemala 1 Iris Relief PO Box 845 Buffalo Gap, TX 79508 [email protected] Activity After-Action Report Iris Relief Executive Summary From July 25 to August 11, 2019, Iris Relief deployed a team of 8 ministry members and 12 volunteers to Guatemala to provide Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training to representatives from the surrounding region and to participate in a Watts of Love outreach in the Zacapa Region of Guatemala. Dates July 25 – Aug 11, 2019 Location Guatemala City and the Zacapa Region of Guatemala 2 www.irisrelief.org Activity After-Action Report History Since 2017, Iris Relief (IR) has partnered with Casa de Dios to provide Community Emergency Response Team training at the church facility in Guatemala City. Prior to this training event, over 200 Guatemalan citizens have been CERT certified. Students have included members of the community, municipality employees, National Police and members of the Guatemalan Military. This fourth training event marks the first training conducted under the newly formed, non- governmental organization (NGO) United Response Alliance (URA), which represents many organizations including ZAKA Search and Rescue from Israel. Partners United Rescue Alliance Iris Relief Watts of Love Casa De Dios Team Details Iris Relief staff and volunteers began arriving in Guatemala on July 25, 2019. The trip was led by Lauren Hassell and Jace Johnson and supported by Rick Cutler, Kristen West, Joe Martin, and Jennifer Baldridge. The supporting staff and 16 volunteers representing South Africa, Australia, and the United States totaled 21. 3 www.irisrelief.org Activity After-Action Report Action of Service The time in Guatemala had two main objectives. The first week in Guatemala City was devoted to conducting the CERT training for the volunteers, some of whom were continuing the journey with Iris Relief from Mozambique earlier in the month, and additional students representing Guatemala, El Salvador, South Africa, Australia, and the United States. The class included a total of 55 students from five different countries. With the completion of the class, over 250 students have now been trained in Guatemala. All present at the FEMA Basic CERT training received material and hands- on practical application in a classroom setting, and final simulation the following areas; • Importance of disaster preparedness and preparation • Functionality within a team during disaster deployment. • Utility and Fire safety. Fire suppression practical • Disaster Medical Operations- treating burns, wounds, cuts, stopping bleeding, treating shock, safe carries, head to toe assessments, etc. • Search and Rescue- cribbing exercises, debris removal, triage. • Disaster Psychology (Spiritual and emotional care/ chaplaincy.) • Emergency Management Organization- how to operate with local/ state/ region/ national government authorities, churches, non-profits, and legal entities, in time of crisis. • What to do in a terrorist situation • Tools for leadership success- styles of leadership, ways of communication, character building, operating in structure with authority, and team dynamics. During this time, our students had the opportunity to visit ground zero in Escuintla, where just a year before, Volcan Fuego erupted and destroyed numerous families and caused many injuries, and fatalities. Our team had the opportunity to hear testimonies of survivors while we visited the new community center in New Jerusalem with ENCA and Humanitarian Coalition. 4 www.irisrelief.org Activity After-Action Report During the second week in Guatemala, a total of 19 IR staff and volunteers were able to partner with 6 Watts of Love (WOL) staff and volunteers to provide LED lamps to rural, mountainous farming communities, near the Guatemala/ Honduran border, that do not have access to electricity. The mission of Watts of Love is to reach people living without electricity, most of whom rely on dangerous, toxic, and expensive kerosene as their primary source of light. WOL offers free access to solar lighting, providing an opportunity to increase household income, improve health, enhance child development, and help start people on the pathway to prosperity. We had the opportunity to partner with WOL to provide lights to more than 300 families. 5 www.irisrelief.org Activity After-Action Report 6 www.irisrelief.org Activity After-Action Report Testimonies The 2019 United Rescue Alliance and Iris Relief FEMA CERT Guatemala class of 55! “We are so proud of the youth who participated in this CERT training! Well done! You are the next generation!” --Iris Relief Facebook Page 7 www.irisrelief.org Activity After-Action Report “We visited an amazing community today and gifted the families with sustainable energy with Watts of Love solar lights! These lights brought joy and smiles to each face.” --Iris Relief Facebook Page 8 www.irisrelief.org .
Recommended publications
  • Have Funneled Millions of Dollars to Hamas
    Case 3:04-cr-00240-P Document 1243 Filed 11/12/2008 Page 1 of 40 IN TI-IE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DlSTRlCT OF TEXAS DALLAS DIVISION m'ITTD STATES OF AMERICA 5 sr NO. 3104-CR-240-P S HOLY LAND FOUNDATION FOR s RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT (1) 5 also kno\vn as the "HLF" 5 Supersedes lndictmenr Returned On SHLWABU BAKER (7 I 5 July 26.2004 MOHAMMAD EL-MEZAIN (3) S GHASSAN ELASHI (4) S HAITHPLM MAGHAW (5) 5 AICRPLM MJSIIAL (6) S MUFID ABDLILQADER (7 ) >5 ABDULRAHIvlAN ODEI-I (8) S INDI CTMEN'T The Grand Jury Charges: INTRODUCTION At all times material herein: 1. The tlarakat al-Muqawamah al-lslamiyya is Arabic for "11e Isla~nicResistance Movement" and is known by the acronym HAMS. HAMAS: which is sometilnes rererred to by its followers as "The Movement," is a terrorist organization based in the West Bank and Gaza Strip (Gaza). HAMAS was founded in 1987 by Sheikh .4hmed Yassin as an outgrolvth of the Palestinian branch of the Musli~nBrotherhood. The Muslirn Brotllerhood is an international Isla~nicorganization founded in Egypt in 1928 Superseding Indictment - Page 1 Case 3:04-cr-00240-P Document 1243 Filed 11/12/2008 Page 2 of 40 and is collllnitted to the globalization of Islam through social engineering and violent jihad (holy war). H.4hV.S' published charter states that WMAS' purpose is to create an Islamic Palestinian state throughout lsrael by eliminating the State of lsrael through violen1 jiltad. 2. HAh4AS acllieves its goals through a militant wing.
    [Show full text]
  • Philippine Ambassador to Israel Visited the ZAKA Headquarters in Jerusalem
    NEWSZAK A Rosh Hashanah Annual Summary FOR OUR ENEMIES, NOWHERE IN ISRAEL IS BEYOND REACH FOR ZAKA, NOWHERE IN ISRAEL IS BEYOND COVER Dear Friends of ZAKA, Welcome to this Rosh Hashanah Summary edition of NewsZAKA, bringing you up to date with the latest ZAKA activity. We are proud to highlight in this newsletter both the domestic and international aspects of ZAKA's work. In August, ZAKA was honoured at a tribute evening for the volunteers who served throughout Operation Protective Edge. The President of Israel, Mr Reuven Rivlin, thanked the ZAKA volunteers for their dedication and selfless work throughout the long, hard days & weeks of the operation. The President said: "As always, ZAKA volunteers are pioneers, leading the pack. We see you at every incident, helping others, saving lives, honouring the dead. Your dedication has become world-renowned. ZAKA and its volunteers are the best example of sharing the burden in Israeli society." Please read on for an in-depth feature of ZAKA’s work during the Gaza conflict as well as a selection of stories – some happy, others sad or serious – all with one common thread: the 1,650 selfless ZAKA Volunteers who give up everything, at a moment’s notice, to help others in their ultimate time of need. Wherever in the world they may be. They happened at different times over the last year and highlight a small section of our activity at ZAKA. ZAKA relies solely on donations from the general public both in Israel and throughout the Diaspora. If you are able to make a donation at this time please visit one of our websites.
    [Show full text]
  • Families Forum a Discussion Guide a Documentary Film Directed By
    The Parent Circle – Families Forum Presents: A Documentary Film Directed by Emmy Award Winner Tor Ben Mayor A Discussion Guide www.theparentscircle.org [email protected] A Note from the Parents Circle – Families Forum Dear Viewer, We are so pleased that you have chosen to screen Two Sided Story. Whether you are watching this film with your class, synagogue, church, mosque, dialogue group or your friends in your own living room, we thank you for joining us in our work to promote reconciliation and understanding of many sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We are all familiar with the stories presented by the media. They mostly focus on the events that mark the conflict’s history and on their political repercussions. But, there are other stories that are rarely told. They are the human stories. Two Sided Story immerses you in the conflict in the most personal way. You will join 27 Palestinians and Israelis on a unique journey that began in July 2011. Among the participants are bereaved families, Orthodox Jews and religious Muslims, settlers, former IDF soldiers, ex- security prisoners, citizens of the Gaza Strip, kibbutz members, second-generation Holocaust survivors and non-violent activists. Regardless of your political beliefs, you will be transported by the film’s first-person perspective. You will experience what the participants experienced. You will see the conflict through their eyes, deeply emotional and rooted in mistrust. Understanding comes slowly as Two Sided Story brings Palestinians and Israelis together for their first face-to-face meeting facilitated by the Parents Circle-Families Forum.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 30 Prevention of Lasting Traumatization in Direct and Indirect Victims of Terrorism
    Chapter 30 Prevention of Lasting Traumatization in Direct and Indirect Victims of Terrorism Shannon Nash In the wake of a terrorist attack there is an expectation of trauma after such purposeful and unpredictable violence. The nature of terrorism itself perpetuates fear, paranoia, and anxiety. However, there is immense variability in response to trauma, both immediately and over time. Studies on direct and proximal exposure to attacks, as well as individual response to terrorism and indirect exposure, demonstrate that the impact of terrorist attacks is not limited to those directly affected by it. This chapter reviews the findings of important studies and practical efforts to anticipate and reduce risk factors contributing to lasting traumatization of terrorist victims. Several areas of focus emerge in the literature involving major national traumas, first responders, children, the media, and community support. In addition, it is important to understand the experience of others who have faced such trauma and have built resilience. This includes countries which have faced chronic terrorism and decades of war that have left citizens profoundly affected, psychologically and socially. Important gaps remain in our understanding of lasting traumatization in direct and indirect victims of terrorism. This chapter identifies a variety of flexible responses and mental health strategies which include: support for first responders, promotion of resilience in children, media delivery and consumption, and rapidly adapting community-based initiatives. It is a challenge to rely on hypotheticals in disaster planning, but preparation both before and after an attack occurs contribute toward effective, abiding responses that can be built into permanent infrastructures and public health models.
    [Show full text]
  • Global Jewish Forum Haredim and the Jewish Collective: Engaging with Voices from the Field
    Global Jewish Forum Haredim and the Jewish Collective: Engaging with Voices from the Field Presented by Makom 27 th February, 2012 - 4 Adar I, 5772 For internal educational use only Printed at the Jewish Agency 1 Table of Contents The Back Story • What is Orthodoxy? Samuel C. Heilman and Menachem Friedman, The Haredim in Israel • Zionism and Judaism From The Jewish Political Tradition Volume 1 Authority (2000) • The “Status Quo” and David Ben Gurion From the Jewish Agency for Israel to Agudat Yisrael 19th June, 1947 • Israelis and Religion Professor Michael Rosenak, from The Land of Israel: Its contemporary meaning (1992) • A different approach Jeri Langer, from The Jew in the Modern World (1995) Statistics and Policies • Demographics …………………………………………………………………………………………. 5 • Education ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5 • Army ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6 • Work ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7 Israel 5772 – so far • Risking one’s life on the bus ……………………………………………………………………… 10 • A civil war no one wants …………………………………………………………………………. 14 • Statement from Agudath Israel of America ……………………………………………….. 16 • Gender Trouble ………………………………………………………………………………………. 17 • Haredi leaders must speak out against zealots ………………………………………….. 20 • Lessons from Bet Shemesh ………………………………………………………………………. 22 • The remarkable good news about the Haredim …………………………………………. 26 2 Global Jewish Forum A biennial event for deep consideration of the pressing issues of the Jewish People… Moving beyond the communal headlines to examine the deep issues that drive them... International Jewish leaders deliberately not taking decisions, but together deciding to deliberate... Young committed adults sit around the table with institutional leaders, sharing perspectives and gaining understanding. Welcome to the 2 nd Global Jewish Forum. At the inaugural Forum last June the Makom team presented a day that explored the intra-communal challenges of the fight against delegitimation.
    [Show full text]
  • My Voice Is My Weapon: Music, Nationalism, and the Poetics Of
    MY VOICE IS MY WEAPON MY VOICE IS MY WEAPON Music, Nationalism, and the Poetics of Palestinian Resistance David A. McDonald Duke University Press ✹ Durham and London ✹ 2013 © 2013 Duke University Press All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America on acid- free paper ♾ Cover by Heather Hensley. Interior by Courtney Leigh Baker Typeset in Minion Pro by Tseng Information Systems, Inc. Library of Congress Cataloging- in- Publication Data McDonald, David A., 1976– My voice is my weapon : music, nationalism, and the poetics of Palestinian resistance / David A. McDonald. pages cm Includes bibliographical references and index. isbn 978-0-8223-5468-0 (cloth : alk. paper) isbn 978-0-8223-5479-6 (pbk. : alk. paper) 1. Palestinian Arabs—Music—History and criticism. 2. Music—Political aspects—Israel. 3. Music—Political aspects—Gaza Strip. 4. Music—Political aspects—West Bank. i. Title. ml3754.5.m33 2013 780.89′9274—dc23 2013012813 For Seamus Patrick McDonald Illustrations viii Note on Transliterations xi Note on Accessing Performance Videos xiii Acknowledgments xvii introduction ✹ 1 chapter 1. Nationalism, Belonging, and the Performativity of Resistance ✹ 17 chapter 2. Poets, Singers, and Songs ✹ 34 Voices in the Resistance Movement (1917–1967) chapter 3. Al- Naksa and the Emergence of Political Song (1967–1987) ✹ 78 chapter 4. The First Intifada and the Generation of Stones (1987–2000) ✹ 116 chapter 5. Revivals and New Arrivals ✹ 144 The al- Aqsa Intifada (2000–2010) CONTENTS chapter 6. “My Songs Can Reach the Whole Nation” ✹ 163 Baladna and Protest Song in Jordan chapter 7. Imprisonment and Exile ✹ 199 Negotiating Power and Resistance in Palestinian Protest Song chapter 8.
    [Show full text]
  • Jewish Family Services Update
    L’CHAYIM www.JewishFederationLCC.org Vol. 43, No. 12 n August 2021 / 5781 A message from Alan Isaacs, A message from Barbara Siegel Federation Executive Director & Sherri Zucker, Co-Presidents ay 2022 will mark nearly 15 is reinforced by the frm belief that n behalf of the Federation’s sition and we are embracing the oppor- of some of the most fulfll- the Federation’s leadership is well- Board of Directors and the tunity to search for our next executive Ming years of my professional equipped to continue to advance the Oentire community, we want director. life. It will also signal a time of transi- Federation’s mission. I too will remain to thank Alan Isaacs for providing the We will work closely and consult tion for the Jewish Federation of Lee committed to the continued health and guidance and leadership that has been with The Jewish Federations of North and Charlotte Counties and me. At that welfare of our Federation and our com- so instrumental in our success for al- America throughout the process. A time, I will retire from my position at munity. most 15 years. Alan has informed us search committee has been formed and the Jewish Federation. I deeply appreciate the support that he would like to retire from his po- we have begun the process of fnding Between now and next May, the and guidance that I have received sition as our executive director in May the best executive for our community. Federation board, its leadership – Bar- from Federation leadership and staf, 2022. We know he is looking forward The board will announce our new pro- bara Siegel and Sherri Zucker – and I community members, colleagues and to playing more with his grandson and fessional leader in the coming months.
    [Show full text]
  • COVID-19, Information Dissemination, and Social Change
    S O s Sociology Insights p e s n Acce REVIEW ARTICLE COVID-19, Information Dissemination, and Social Change in Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Society Jay Levinson1* and Abraham J Domb2 1The Hebrew University and John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, USA 2Institute of Drug Research (IDR), School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, and Criminology Department, Faculty of Law, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel Abstract COVID-19 has caused profound changes in society. The ultra-orthodox Jewish community, renown for its conservatism, has also been influenced by COVID-19, and its social norms have been changing. Bringing COVID-19 information and instructions to this segment of society meant new understanding and using different methods. Medical response is not only in the clinic and hospital. It must also include bringing behavioral messages to the public. Keywords: COVID-19, Coronavirus, Ultra-orthodox Jewry Introduction and cultural self-censorship, do not challenge pre-conceptions and stereotypes, but act to sustain them. It can also be argued COVID-19 has caused profound changes in society. Standards that negative news coverage of drafting into the Israel Defense of hygiene have changed. Working from home appears to Forces (IDF), a major political issue with the ultra-orthodox, be more than a passing fad. Consumer preferences have is a major contribution to dislike and distrust of the army. increasingly shifted to online shopping. The ultra-orthodox A reciprocal implication is that IDF soldiers have nurtured Jewish community, renown for its conservatism, has also been distrust and dislike for the ultra-orthodox.
    [Show full text]
  • Religion and Traditions >> in Judaism a Short Introduction to Jewish Religious Tradition and Practices
    Religion and Traditions >> in Judaism A short introduction to Jewish religious tradition and practices Written by Barbara Viehmann, translated into English by Anne Boden. Life Stages Birth and circumcision Jewish boys are circumcised eight days after their birth. The act of circumcision (in Hebrew Brit Mila) symbolizes union with God and is based on the Bible passage Genesis 17:10–13. Read this passage from the Bible. The circumcision ceremony is usually accompanied by a big celebration with family and friends. In Jewish tradition, there is no ritual to celebrate the birth of a girl. Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Brit Mila. Photograph: Cheskel Dovid, online: At the age of thirteen, a Jewish boy becomes a Bar Mitzva http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Covenant_of_Abraham.JPG (literally: “son of commandment”, where "commandment" refers to the religious commandments) and must uphold and practice religious laws and duties like an adult. In many congregations it has become common to combine this transition to adulthood with a first reading from the Torah (Aliya la- Torah) in the Synagogue on the Sabbath. The boys prepare for this reading, which is often followed by a celebration. When they are twelve, girls reach the age of the Bat Mitzvah (daughter of commandment). For them too, this means that they must uphold the commandments pertaining to women. However, because women do not play an active role in traditional religious services, in Orthodox communities there is no special celebration for girls. By contrast, in modern congregations, a celebration for girls has been common since the nineteenth century. In liberal Judaism, where women and men have the same rights and duties, Bar and Bat Mitzvah are both celebrated at the age of thirteen with a reading from the Torah.
    [Show full text]
  • Antisemitism: a Persistent Threat to Human Rights a Six-Month Review of Antisemitism’S Global Impact Following the UN’S ‘Historic’ Report
    Antisemitism: A Persistent Threat to Human Rights A Six-Month Review of Antisemitism’s Global Impact following the UN’s ‘Historic’ Report April 2020 Summary In October 2019, Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, expressed alarm about a significant increase, since 2017, in reports of hostility, discrimination and violence motivated by antisemitism around the world.1 This report surveys antisemitic incidents that have occurred in the six months since Dr. Shaheed presented his report on the subject of antisemitism to the UN General Assembly. Alarmingly, antisemitic expression and violence appear to have persisted – and even increased – in a number of countries around the world between October and April 2020, notwithstanding efforts by governments and other stakeholders to implement Dr. Shaheed’s recommendations. The cases and trends highlighted in this report reveal that antisemitism remains a phenomenon that impairs the security and the human rights of many Jewish individuals, including the right to manifest their religion, and that it also threatens the rights of members of other minority communities and democratic societies as a whole. Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, in many countries, conspiracy theories claiming that Jews or Israel engineered or are deliberately spreading the virus, as well as age-old antisemitic tropes associating Jews with disease, have been spread in traditional media and online. Occasionally, Jewish people, communities, and institutions have been subjected to antisemitic harassment and threats of violence; in a few cases, antisemitic rhetoric seems to have played an important role in motivating attempted violent attacks against sites and individuals, Jewish and non-Jewish alike.
    [Show full text]
  • Hadassah News from Hadassah Medical Organization Winter 2019
    HADASSAH NEWS FROM HADASSAH MEDICAL ORGANIZATION WINTER 2019 Hadassah believes that when we empower women, they can heal the world... A Double Stroke at the Dead Sea (MDA) ambulance team called for a after his catheterization. “Had the teams not helicopter, and Avi was rushed to Hadassah worked quickly—less than an hour from the Hospital Ein Kerem. MDA also contacted stroke to the angiography room--the patient Hadassah's Endovascular Neurosurgery Unit, was likely to die. The patient's rapid recovery headed by Prof. Jose Cohen. from a life-threatening situation is due not least to the high skill level of Prof. Cohen and his The moment the helicopter landed, staff. The speed allowed them to provide Hadassah’s stroke protocol was activated. optimal treatment.” Prof Cohen, together with Dr. Zvika Skagio, performed a cerebral catheterization. "In this And the patient himself? “I remember trying to patient, we found ourselves facing severe talk to my wife in a souvenir shop. First, the blockages in both the left cerebral artery and Zaka volunteer rescue team came and then left carotid artery,” report the doctors. “At the Magen David Adom. Then I woke up at Imagine having a double stroke in two least,” they explain, “these blockages were Hadassah after my life was saved." Avi’s wife, different arteries while on a day trip at the liable to lead to severe disability and serious Inge, who drove to Jerusalem, said, "I arrived Dead Sea! What could be the chances of damage to his quality of life. He could also when he was already in the operating room survival? die.
    [Show full text]
  • Jewish Traditions Regarding Death & Dying
    JEWISH TRADITIONS REGARDING DEATH & DYING AS PRACTICED AT CONGREGATION SHAARIE TORAH Mourning and Bereavement Funerals Remembrance of the Dead January 2008 To the Members of Congregation Shaarie Torah The text you are about to read was prepared and researched by Cliff Hockley. To Cliff my personal thank you for allowing me as the new Rabbi to infuse this page prior to its publication. Cliff took an enormous amount of time and careful effort in documenting our Jewish Heritage and traditions. The following booklet codifies and discusses the many traditions we have in Judaism regarding illness, death, burial and mourning. From a Jewish perspective each one of these components make up the path, we as Jews follow. As a Kohen (a member of the Tribe of Levi and descendent of the children of Aaron) I am only to attend seven funerals, relatives (father, mother, wife, brother, son, daughter, and sister if she is not married; Code of Jewish Law, Yoreh Dayah, 373:3). Should a Kohen become “impure” by coming in contact with a deceased person, he would be required to follow a seven day cleansing process, including bringing a sacrifice. Since the requirement to offer sacrifices cannot be upheld since we longer have a functioning Temple in Jerusalem, all Kohanim of today are basically impure and would be null and void from ancient rituals. On festivals and holy days we still have the only opportunity to present the Kohen in a symbol of ritual by allowing them the “Blessing of the People”. Having explained the dilemma that any rabbi that is born a Kohen has in officiating congregational funerals, I am making every effort to officiate at funerals and unveilings without coming in contact with the deceased i.e.
    [Show full text]