Colombia earthquake ‘reminded me of Israel’s sirens and bombs,’ Israeli in Bogota tells 'Post'

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 struck Colombia's Choco province early Monday morning, leaving at least 21 people dead and causing widespread destruction. Among the survivors was a three-month-old baby found alive under the rubble, sparking hope amid the devastation. The tremor occurred at 7:34 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located near San Jose del Palmar, according to the country's geological service. The quake hit at a depth of 79 kilometers, triggering panic among residents and prompting emergency responses across the region. Residents described the experience as terrifying, with many recounting how the ground shook violently, forcing them to flee buildings and seek safety in open areas. Fernando Chaim Bisker, an Israeli resident living in Bogota, shared his account of the event while in Cali for the weekend. He and his family had traveled to the city for Shabbat and to witness the inauguration of the new president before returning home. Despite being in a newly constructed building designed to withstand earthquakes, Bisker admitted the experience was deeply unsettling. "I was having my breakfast after Shacharit [morning prayers], and then we noticed it was shaking stronger and stronger," Bisker recounted. "And I always saw it in the movies, not in my life." As the shaking intensified, he and his family rushed outside, gripping onto walls to steady themselves as the ground beneath them moved unpredictably. In the chaos, moments of solidarity emerged. Bisker noted how locals responded positively to his presence as a Jewish individual, with some shouting "Viva Israel" and asking him to bless them. This unexpected display of unity stood in contrast to common perceptions of regional tensions and highlighted the human capacity for compassion during crises. Cliff Katz, a member of the Jewish community in Cali, was in a synagogue when the earthquake struck. He described the initial sensation as similar to previous minor quakes, but the situation escalated rapidly. "We started to feel shaking," Katz said. "Then we heard banging; things were falling. And then the earthquake alarm went off, which I've never experienced before." Katz and others evacuated the synagogue swiftly, noting the structural damage caused by the quake. While certain sections of the building sustained considerable harm, including collapsed walls and broken ceilings, Katz believed the damage would be repairable. His observations indicated that the majority of structures in the area remained intact, though some facades showed signs of wear due to varying construction standards. As rescue efforts continued, the focus shifted to locating those still trapped beneath the debris. The discovery of a three-month-old infant alive under the rubble became a symbol of resilience and hope for the affected communities. Emergency teams worked tirelessly to extract survivors, using specialized equipment and techniques to navigate the unstable environment created by the quake. Local authorities have been coordinating with national disaster response agencies to assess the full extent of the damage and provide necessary aid to those impacted. The incident has prompted discussions about improving building codes and emergency preparedness measures to better protect future populations from such disasters. With the immediate crisis managed, attention now turns to long-term recovery plans. Officials are evaluating infrastructure vulnerabilities and planning for reconstruction efforts that prioritize safety and sustainability. Meanwhile, the emotional toll on families and communities continues to unfold, underscoring the need for ongoing support and resources as they rebuild their lives.