ZAKA Volunteers Conduct Rescue and Recovery Operations in Earthquake-Hit Venezuela
Volunteers from ZAKA's international unit are actively engaged in rescue and recovery efforts in Venezuela following severe earthquakes that struck the country. The delegation, comprising engineers, paramedics, medics, and logistics teams, is working alongside local emergency services and international rescue teams to conduct search, detection, and extraction missions. Despite diminishing chances of finding survivors, the teams persist in their efforts to locate any living victims. In areas where survival is no longer possible, volunteers focus on respectfully recovering the deceased.
The operations take place under challenging conditions, including unstable terrain and collapsed structures, requiring close coordination with all rescue forces on site. Nachman Dykstein, head of ZAKA Europe and the mission leader, stated that upon arrival, the team immediately began extended operational activities at two separate sites. They collaborated fully with Colombian and local rescue teams, helped develop rescue plans, conducted professional assessments inside collapsed buildings, and led joint field drills. Dykstein emphasized their commitment to continue searching as long as there is even a slim chance of survival, while also providing support and sensitivity to affected families.
Guy Menzur, the on-site mission commander and disaster rescue expert, highlighted the complexity of the work, noting that every building entry requires professional risk assessment, full coordination, and rapid decision-making. He credited their extensive operational experience in Israel and worldwide for enabling effective support to local teams in managing searches. Chaim Weingarten, ZAKA's deputy operations director, remarked that the mission represents Israel and the organization's values of kindness and professionalism. He praised the volunteers' round-the-clock efforts alongside local and international rescue forces and affirmed their ongoing commitment until the mission's completion.
