A Christchurch woman is in no doubt the team of Israeli search and rescue members she hosted after the February earthquake were genuine in their desire to help - and not here to spy.
"They were just guys with hearts of gold who were just so desperate to get in
there and help, not only the Israeli boys, but anyone," Catherine Withers said.
The unusual behaviour of Israelis in the city during and after the earthquake - including the eagerness of the Usar team to enter the red zone - sparked suspicions of spying and possible identity theft.
Mrs Withers frequently hosts Israelis who visit Christchurch and befriended one of the quake victims, Ofer Levy, who died in Mollett St.
She also met the Israeli Usar team, who were prevented from searching for victims because they were not United Nations accredited.
