Israel’s Minister of Public Security, Gilad Erdan, recently declared ZAKA Search and Rescue a “national rescue organisation”.

This new designation, which took effect immediately, ensures that in the event of a mass casualty incident, ZAKA volunteers will be considered an integral part of the country’s emergency and rescue forces, under the direction of the relevant body in charge of the incident. This is in addition to a 2005 declaration by the-then Minister of Defense, which recognised ZAKA as an “aid organisation in times of emergency”.

ZAKA Chairman Yehuda Meshi-Zahav commented: “The designation by the Minister of Public Security of ZAKA as a ‘national rescue organisation’ – and this in addition to the designation by the Minister of Defense of ZAKA as an ‘aid organisation in times of emergency’ – serves to underline ZAKA’s national importance in times of emergency and the recognition of the professional operational capabilities of both the organisation and the volunteers.”