ZAKA

Sad Ending:

Teen lost off the coast of Netanya found dead

After ten days of intensive searching, 18-year-old Avraham Yeshayahu Spiegel was found lifeless in the water off the Sidna Ali beach in Herzliya.

Ashkelon

Body of young man found in water at beach

The body of a young man was found this morning after being washed ashore on the northern beach of Ashkelon.

Beit Shemesh Tragedy:

Zaka unit commander: 'The difference between life and death'

'Iran’s missiles are extraordinarily powerful, the shelter saves lives - literally,' says Zaka unit commander, Haim Ottmazgin.

Israeli found lifeless in Paris hotel

Israeli man, age 51 from central Israel, found unconscious in Paris hotel room.

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ZAKA360 is preparing for the worst - so Israel can survive it

When missiles fall, ZAKA volunteers run toward danger, not away from it.

How to prevent an autopsy

ZAKA’s Legal Affairs Unit represented the families of two infants who died in a Jerusalem daycare, arguing successfully that invasive autopsies were unnecessary and violated human dignity.

Tragedy at Tel Aviv apartment

ZAKA Tel Aviv volunteers find elderly man dead in piles of trash at neglected Tel Aviv apartment.

Heartbreaking Farewell:

'How do you eulogize a baby?'

The mother of six-month-old Aharon said farewell in a handwritten eulogy she shared online, "How in God's name does one eulogize a baby?"

Israeli found lifeless in Uman

Israeli found lifeless in Uman, Ukraine, to be transferred to Israel for burial.

Intense search ongoing for teen lost in Modi'in River

Emergency and rescue forces continued intensive search efforts on Wednesday for a teenage boy who was swept away by a flash flood in the Modi’in River, near the city of Modi’in Illit.

Heartbreaking ending:

Israeli teenager killed in Swiss ski resort fire

Body of 15-year-old Israeli citizen Charlotte Needham identified after being unaccounted for following deadly inferno in Crans-Montana.

Help ZAKA hero

A light that refuses to go out: Natan Kenig's story this Hanukkah

For 28 years, he lit others' darkest moments. On October 7, he spent months ensuring no family was left without closure. Now the light-bearer needs light. This Hanukkah, will we let his flame go out?

One ZAKA volunteer collapses after 2 years of dealing with 10/7

Turns out the invisible wounds of first responders are destroying lives while families watch helplessly - and one wife is desperately asking for help before it's too late

Eighth Hanukkah candle lit at Bondi Beach shooting site

In a ceremony alongside hundreds of members of Sydney's Jewish community, volunteers from ZAKA's international unit lit the final Hanukkah candle at the site where the attack occurred.

'Like Oct. 7':

ZAKA delegation begins operations at Sydney attack site

ZAKA volunteers are operating at the scene of the Bondi Beach attack under an emergency permit from local police, in cooperation with security forces and members of the Jewish community.

ZAKA hero who saved hundreds now needs saving

Chanukah celebrates miracles. The miracle no one talks about: Natan Kenig spent months under fire ensuring no missing persons from October 7. Every family got closure. He gave everything. Now the miracle-maker is falling.

Storm Byron:

Search for missing man, residents rescued in Beit Shikma

Police are searching for Eliyahu Aba Shaul, missing from Bnei Brak. Severe flooding in Beit Shikma, with MDA working to evacuate casualties.

Help fight his fight

Two years later: The ZAKA hero still fighting - for his own life

While Israel moves forward, Natan Kenig remains trapped in October 7. The 27-year ZAKA veteran who held a cutting board as shield now fights for his restaurant and suppliers who trusted him. He still answers every call. Who answers his?

Help the hero

One year later: the hero who saved everyone can't save himself

Time is running out. For 30 years, Natan Kenig brought joy as event producer and chef. Now the "invisible wounded" veteran can't attend friends' weddings. Creditors won't wait forever. October 7 destroyed his business, left crushing debts.

Help him find peace

ZAKA Hero: A Cutting Board as Shield, Kitchen as Prison

27-year veteran who saved hundreds now holds cooking tools like weapons. October 7th destroyed his chef business and left him with crushing debt - but he refuses to abandon those who trusted him.

You can help him:

ZAKA hero fights to rebuild two years later

27-year ZAKA veteran held a cutting board as shield during October 7 massacre. Now the beloved chef can't enter his own kitchen. Business collapsed, hundreds of thousands in debt - but he refuses to abandon suppliers who trusted him.

Rehovot:

75-year-old falls to his death while building a sukkah

A 75-year-old man was killed after falling from the balcony of his home while building a sukkah. Medical teams pronounced him dead at the scene.

From Heroism to Hardship: ZAKA Volunteer's Battle Two Years Later

As a veteran ZAKA volunteer with 27 years of service, he was among the first responders to the scenes of horror that unfolded on October 7th, 2023, but no amount of training could prepare him for the emotional scars he would carry afterward.

Haunting video:

ZAKA volunteers recite the Kaddish at the scene of the attack

After concluding their work at the scene of the shooting attack in Ramot, Jerusalem, the volunteers gathered to recite the Kaddish prayer in memory of the victims.

Netanyahu at ZAKA HQ:

It is not easy for you because looking at death is not simple

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the ZAKA headquarters in Jerusalem and met with senior ZAKA officers, commanders, and volunteers.

Watch:

Home Front Command and ZAKA search Be'er Sheva impact site

Soldiers from the IDF Home Front Command and members of the ZAKA organization continue to search the devastation where a missile struck an apartment building.

The Survivors Don’t Become the Forgotten

ZAKA360's emergency network is receiving 847 desperate appeals from families who lost homes, possessions, and loved ones - and you can help them too.

Lives At Risk if ZAKA360 Can’t Restock Equipment

ZAKA360 volunteers require new stock of equipment after working at sites of missile hits

The 3-minute response that saves lives in emergency zones

Turns out these unprecedented ballistic missile attacks targeting civilians require immediate emergency response - and ZAKA360 volunteers are the ones risking their lives in collapsed buildings to save those trapped

Following 10/7 massacre:

Zaka volunteer recognized as severe PTSD victim

Volunteer ambulance driver who evacuated dozens of bodies from the Nova music festival is recognized as a victim of hostilities with severe PTSD.

Hadera shark attack

Search for missing diver halted after human remains found

ZAKA says it sent a team to carry out underwater scans following rare shark attack off Israeli coast, now ready to assist the victim's family.

Greece:

Israeli collapses and dies during Passover vacation

A man in his 70s, vacationing with his family in Crete for Passover, collapses and is pronounced dead at the scene. His body will be transferred to Athens and then flown to Israel.

ZAKA marks traditional day for those caring for the dead

The ZAKA organization held a gathering of hundreds of volunteers to mark the 7th of Adar, the Hebrew date traditionally associated with honoring burial societies.

Inter-organizational think tank convenes to crack toughest cases

A group of Israel's emergency response organizations meets in Samaria to study unsolved disappearances over the last two years in Israel.

After October 7th:

Sheriffs learn from Jews how to treat the fallen

US National Sheriffs' Association signs agreement with ZAKA, to learn Jewish Law pertaining to dignity to the deceased, after sheriffs visit Israel following October 7th massacre.

As Southern Residents Return Home, A New Crisis Arises

ZAKA360 is facing unprecedented challenges in Israel's Southern Region.

Tragic Cycle:

ZAKA responder lost his father at the scene of shooting attack

Lidor Sofer, a ZAKA volunteer, revisits attack scene on Road 55, reliving tragic memories as his father was murdered in a stabbing incident there two years ago.

Torah Scroll Inauguration for ZAKA's bereavement support unit

A poignant Torah scroll dedication event took place in Petah Tikva for ZAKA's bereavement support service. The scroll was dedicated with the participation of the Health Minister and in honor of the late Zohar family.

'Hope to meet you soon'

ZAKA's humorous reaction to Assad's downfall

The ZAKA organization quipped that it was a shame that it did not get to assist the ousted Syrian leader in packing.

ZAKA360 launches appeal to support bereaved families

This is more than just a logistical issue, Zaka360 explains—it’s about providing a space for grief.

Haunting:

ZAKA volunteers read Kaddish prayer in home of slaughtered family

The volunteers read the Kaddish prayer at the home of the Siman Tov family, where Tamar and Johnny were murdered together with their three children, five-year-olds Arbel and Shahar, and two and a half-year-old Omer.

One year since massacre:

Red Cross demands access to hostages

During the meeting, representatives of the Red Cross reiterated their official demand to have access to the hostages and provide them with treatment according to international humanitarian law.

'When there are no more words'

ZAKA volunteers sing moving tune

Leading up to the anniversary of October 7th, ZAKA volunteers from around the country gathered to 'pour out their hearts, make their voices heard, and allow their souls to play their cords.'

As launches intensify:

ZAKA seeks to build logistics center near northern border

As civilians raced to shelters as rockets hit northern Israel, leaving several injured, ZAKA360 urgently needs 1.5 million shekels to establish a logistics center near the northern border to provide essential support for volunteers.

Meir Barel Reveals ZAKA360’s Current Mission

In preparation for large-scale attacks, ZAKA360 are working to speed up response times.

You can help:

Commander at ZAKA360 responds to Iranian threat

Rabbi Meir Barel announced that ZAKA360 is equipping 400 volunteers to respond to attacks.

Families of Meron Victims:

Cancel the Appointment of Yossi Schwinger as CEO of ZAKA

Families of the Meron disaster victims wrote a letter to the ZAKA organization demanding that Yossi Schwinger not be appointed to the position of CEO due to his role in the disaster three years ago.

Religious Affairs Ministry issues unusual order

'Don't employ, cooperate with ZAKA Tel Aviv - they leaked information,' Religious Affairs Ministry Director General orders.

Help terror victims' families:

Zaka 360 reports astronomical deaths this year

After developing a personal connection with victims' families, ZAKA360 initiated multiple projects to help them.

Protecting the synagogue:

Pro, anti-Israel protesters clash outside NJ synagogue

About 1,000 counterprotesters gather outside Teaneck synagogue to protect it during event featuring speakers from the ZAKA organization from pro-Hamas protesters.

Anti-Israel activists target NJ synagogue to protest ZAKA

Pro-Hamas protestors to once again gather outside a Teaneck synagogue to accuse Israeli volunteer search, rescue and burial organization of 'lies' about Hamas atrocities on October 7.

ZAKA, MDA, police volunteer murdered in Eli shooting

Yitzhak Zeiger, 57, murdered by terrorist at entrance to Eli, remembered as a volunteer medic who worked to ensure all Jews had proper burials.

Help them cope:

Countless children suffering from trauma from Oct. 7

We suffer daily from our grandparents’ trauma, we need to ensure our grandchildren won’t suffer from ours.

3 months in:

With security risks high, ZAKA360 asks for help

ZAKA360 are preparing for future risks by helping their volunteers return to work, after many grapple with intense trauma due to October 7. They need your help.

“I felt like we were in gehenom”- A talk with ZAKA

'We have to tell our children and grandchildren to remember and never forget. And we have to teach them who are friends are and who are enemies are.' Interview.

Help the ZAKA hero:

The Reason Some Girls Can’t Get Married

It’s the classic pre-wedding gift: a colorful countdown ticking down to the wedding date.

ZAKA360 Arranges Therapeutic Retreat for Volunteers

After experiencing severe trauma from working with hundreds of bodies of October 7 victims, ZAKA360 volunteers needed help to heal.

'I Was Blown Away':

3 Months In, ZAKA Volunteer Still Stuck in the Past

As the public slowly adapts to the current situation, a ZAKA volunteer still can’t move on

3 Months In: 70 Children Still Waiting for Help

ZAKA360 are on a mission to help 70 tragically orphaned children heal through a rehabilitation program.

Candid interview:

Why an Arutz Sheva reader donated to ZAKA360

After reading about ZAKA360’s urgent need for a command post, Sarah shares why she donated.