In the wake of the mass shooting of 15 people at a Chanukah event on Bondi Beach, ZAKA search and rescue is deploying an international team to Australia to assist authorities and the Jewish community in ensuring the proper handling of the victims’ remains, in accordance with Jewish law, faith and tradition.
The internationally recognized volunteer disaster victim recovery organization is sending a dozen veteran responders, including specialists with extensive experience responding to terror attacks in Israel and abroad. The team will work in close coordination with Australian law enforcement and emergency response agencies.
“Our mission is simple and unwavering: ZAKA is there for every Jew, no matter where they are, in times of crisis,” said CEO Dubi Weissenstern. “We bring deep experience from terror scenes, working hand in hand with law enforcement to preserve critical forensic evidence, while also ensuring the dead are treated with the utmost dignity and can be buried as quickly as possible in accordance with Jewish law.”
Their expertise has been applied following mass-casualty events worldwide. Officials said responders will provide both technical assistance and spiritual support to local communities grappling with the aftermath of the domestic terror attack.
As the eight-day holiday begins under the shadow of a tragedy, ZAKA said its presence in Australia is meant to bring professionalism and solace to grieving families and a shaken community.
