The state of Texas is facing one of the worst natural disasters in its history: floods that have claimed the lives of over 100 people. A surprising gesture of solidarity arrived from Israel, when head of the Binyamin Regional Council Israel Gantz sent a letter to the state’s governor offering the professional support of Israeli trauma experts.
Gantz, who has maintained ties with Texas officials for several years, emphasized that Israel—especially residents of Judea and Samaria—possess deep experience in handling national and communal trauma. Experience that can be translated into practical assistance on the ground.
“A Mission to Share Our Knowledge”
In his letter, Gantz wrote: “We in Israel, unfortunately, are intimately familiar with the language of pain. Our communities have developed a unique expertise in dealing with trauma, particularly emotional and psychological, and we see it as our mission to share that knowledge and experience with others.”
The letter also proposed sending English-speaking volunteer teams to provide on-site and remote support for affected families, emergency personnel, and local care providers.
Emotional Response in Texas
The offices of Governor Greg Abbott and Senator Ted Cruz, who also received the letter, warmly welcomed the offer. Conversations have already begun between relevant U.S. agencies and volunteers from Israel and the Binyamin region. On social media, many Americans expressed deep appreciation. One user posted on X: “It’s moving to see that from faraway Israel—and from such a tense region—a voice of hope and human solidarity emerges.”
The Binyamin Regional Council emphasized: “We don’t ask questions about countries or politics when people are suffering,” said a council representative. “We simply understand the meaning of loss—and do everything we can to help.”
