Israeli Police and ZAKA Strengthen Cooperation to Expedite Investigations and Respect for the Deceased

A professional working meeting took place at the ZAKA base to enhance ongoing cooperation between the Israeli Police and ZAKA, the emergency response organization specializing in disaster victim identification and burial. Senior investigators from the Bnei Brak-Ramat Gan police station, along with ZAKA’s leadership and commanders, convened to deepen operational and procedural coordination.

Participants included Bnei Brak-Ramat Gan’s head of investigations, Chief Inspector Nadav Shechter, crime officer Chief Inspector Ali Amar, routine officer Chief Inspector Nahmi Ardi, and domestic violence officer Chief Inspector Noy Madkar. From ZAKA, CEO Rabbi Tzvi Chassid, logistics officer Yechiel Goldman, Bnei Brak base commander Yaakov Schiller, head of the forensic medicine team Yaakov Steinmetz, and other volunteers attended. ZAKA’s base commander Sergeant Major Kobi Partig also presented the unit’s extensive around-the-clock activities and the close liaison maintained with police forces.

The meeting focused on presenting joint work methods and interfaces between police investigators and ZAKA volunteers at various incident scenes. The main goal is to streamline disaster event handling, significantly shorten investigation procedures, and ensure rapid release of bodies for burial without unnecessary delays, all while maintaining uncompromising respect for the deceased and sensitivity toward grieving families.

Rabbi Chassid detailed ZAKA’s extensive sacred work, advanced operational methods, and technological and logistical resources available to volunteers. Yechiel Goldman emphasized the importance of full coordination between police and volunteers to balance operational needs with family sensitivities. Chief Inspector Shechter praised ZAKA volunteers for their dedication and professionalism, especially during wartime, highlighting the critical nature of their cooperation in providing professional, swift, and compassionate responses.

Rabbi Chassid concluded by stressing that close collaboration with the police’s National Unit for Handling Missing Persons is vital for honoring the deceased and supporting families during difficult times. He noted that rapid, direct coordination with senior police investigators prevents delays in burial and ensures adherence to religious law and family sensitivities.