ZAKA and Betrem Launch Safety Campaign to Protect Israeli Children During Bein Hazmanim
Ahead of Bein Hazmanim, the vacation period between school terms, Israeli rescue organization ZAKA and child safety group Betrem have initiated a joint campaign to enhance the safety of children across Israel. Over the past five years, 23 children and teenagers have died during Bein Hazmanim, averaging more than four fatalities annually, according to Betrem's data. ZAKA volunteers, who frequently respond to tragic incidents caused by momentary lapses in supervision, aim through this campaign to prevent future accidents by raising awareness and distributing safety guidelines and travel prayers.
The campaign will distribute thousands of informational materials at camps, study sessions, and activity centers nationwide. ZAKA's Operations Vice President, Chaim Weingarten, recounted a poignant case of a child who drowned during a school trip in the Judean Desert, emphasizing the devastating impact of brief inattentiveness. He urged parents and adults to maintain constant vigilance, especially near water sources and hazardous areas, to ensure children return home safely.
Betrem CEO Orly Silbinger highlighted that Bein Hazmanim is a time for rest and recreation but also sees a rise in preventable child injuries. She stressed that safety is a shared responsibility and called on the public to heed safety rules seriously. ZAKA CEO Dovi Weisenstern added that many tragedies could be avoided with just a little more attention and urged the public to embrace the campaign's message to save lives.
Betrem provided detailed safety instructions for hiking and water activities, including sticking to marked trails, starting hikes early, carrying sufficient water and supplies, and avoiding swimming in unregulated water bodies. They emphasized constant adult supervision near any water, proper fencing and locked gates around pools, and the immediate emptying of inflatable pools after use. The campaign underscores the balance between prayer and proactive safety measures to protect children during this vulnerable period.
