Rabbis Honor ZAKA Leaders and Volunteers During Sukkot Holiday
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
ZAKA Search and Rescue leaders and volunteers were honored by rabbis and police officials during Sukkot. The events recognized their crucial work, especially following the October 7th attacks, and highlighted their partnership with law enforcement and forensic medicine.
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- ZAKA volunteers were honored by rabbis and police during Sukkot.
- Events recognized ZAKA's work after the October 7th attacks.
- Meetings emphasized partnership between ZAKA, police, and forensic medicine.
- ZAKA CEO thanked volunteers for their ongoing dedication.
During the recent Sukkot holiday, the leadership and volunteers of the ZAKA Search and Rescue organization were honored at various gatherings, including meetings in the sukkahs of prominent rabbis and police officials. These events commemorated ZAKA's unique and vital work, particularly in the aftermath of the October 7th Hamas attacks, when volunteers were called to difficult scenes in southern Israel to identify the deceased under challenging conditions.
One significant meeting took place in the sukkah of Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, attended by Tel Aviv's Chief Cohen and senior officers from the Tel Aviv District Police. District Commander Chaim Serougoff praised the strong relationship with the religious public, partly due to ZAKA's efforts, and highlighted the substantial assistance they provide. The gathering emphasized mutual responsibility, unity, and partnership between the police and ZAKA volunteers.
Another event was held in honor of Rabbi Yaakov Rose, the organization's chief rabbi and the rabbi of Bat Yam, initiated by the Bat Yam municipality and local kollel leaders. Rabbi Rose spoke about the volunteers' dedication, recalling their work in the difficult days following the October 7th massacre, stating, "I saw with my own eyes at all hours in the camp and at the Institute of Forensic Medicine how you did not leave your post for a moment."
Further gatherings included a meeting at the sukkah of Rabbi Asher Landau, rabbi of the National Center of Forensic Medicine, where ZAKA volunteers working at the institute were recognized. Rabbi Landau commended their work, noting how they have become an integrated force with the institute's staff. A meeting also occurred with Rabbi Moshe Yosef Edri, the newly appointed rabbi of Givatayim, continuing a long-standing relationship with his family.
ZAKA CEO Rabbi Zvi Hassid reflected on the holiday gatherings, stating that three years after the difficult events, volunteers continue their mission day and night. He expressed gratitude to the volunteers for their dedication and emphasized that the mutual cooperation and appreciation provide strength to continue their sacred work of honoring the deceased and serving the Jewish people.
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