"I want [to offer] our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who died as a result of the terrible forest fire in northern Israel," Obama told Jewish community at a Hannukah reception at the U.S. Congress in Washington.
"As rescuers and firefighters continue in their work, the United States is acting to help our Israeli friends respond to the disaster," he said.
Obama told reception guests, among them Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren, that planning had begun to send assistance to Israel.
"A short while ago, our ambassador in Tel Aviv, Jim Cunningham […] launched an effort to identify the firefighting assistance we have available and provide it to Israel as quickly as possible," he said.
He added: "Of course, that's what friends do for each other."
Fires Rage In Israel
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