The ZAKA Tribute Luncheon will take place on September 16th, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, in Washington, DC. The purpose of this event is to honor those who have been lost in the war on terror, and those who have courageously volunteered their time and have saved hundreds of lives.
ZAKA is an organization in Israel that was founded in 1995. ZAKA-Rescue and Recovery, which provides its more than 1,500 volunteer members with specialized training in paramedic and disaster management services, has become widely recognized as the premier non-governmental organization for rescue, life-saving and recovery in Israel.
This event will honor Jack Avital for his tremendous support for the State of Israel. Members of Congress who have exceptional history in strengthening the US-Israel relationship, and who support the work of ZAKA and recognize its central role in spreading the common values of Israeli and American democracy throughout the world, will be recognized at this event as well. Among the many honorees are Representative Jerrold Nadler and Representative Edolphus “Ed” Towns.
Working with the police and other emergency personnel, ZAKA’s selfless volunteers respond in record time to traffic accidents, natural disasters and terror attacks. Utilizing sophisticated medical equipment, they provide emergency care to traumatized victims and engage in the difficult task of recovering human remains for proper burial. In 2007 alone, ZAKA was involved in more than 18,000 life-saving incidents.
ZAKA’s sterling reputation has spread beyond Israel to all parts of the world. One of only three Israeli organizations to be recognized by the United Nations as an “international organization,” ZAKA-Rescue and Recovery has provided its professional and compassionate services in such far-flung disasters as the tsunami in Thailand and the devastating earthquake in Turkey. Dignitaries ranging from Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to American Ambassador to Israel Richard Jones have lauded ZAKA for its outstanding work during times of great crisis.
Along with the many members of Congress, a large presence of diverse Jewish communal leadership is expected to be in attendance, to join together and unite in their support of ZAKA and its mission and its many accomplishments, and pay tribute to the courageous and unparalleled accomplishments of this outstanding organization.
This event promises to be a wonderful way to show support for an organization whose efforts are invaluable to the world.
