By: Naomi Ammon

The distinctive yellow safety vests of ZAKA search and rescue teams are famous in Israel, and they have even shown up at disaster sites all around the world.

Five weeks into the current war, Iranian ballistic missiles and Hizbullah rockets from Lebanon are causing widespread damage throughout the country, and ZAKA volunteers are always among the first emergency teams to arrive on the scene. However, the risk of building collapses, and the growing threat from Iranian missiles armed with cluster munitions has forced Israeli authorities to require all emergency response personnel to come equipped with better protective helmets and vests.

So, when ZAKA recently approached the Christian Embassy with an urgent request for some new sets of the higher-quality protective gear, we quickly agreed to help.

The ICEJ has partnered with ZAKA before, both in Israel and on their emergency missions to other lands, so we have come to trust and value their work. Our latest assistance provided upgraded safety helmets and vests for over two dozen ZAKA volunteers, enabling these brave souls to confidently rush to the frontlines and continue serving the nation of Israel in its hour of need. Without this essential equipment, the volunteers would not be permitted to enter the damaged buildings to rescue victims who might be trapped there.

“We would like to express our deepest gratitude for your generous support through the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem… [which] directly strengthens our ability to continue this vital and sacred work”, a ZAKA representative wrote us afterwards. “We are deeply thankful for your heart, your generosity, your partnership, and your steadfast support of those serving on the frontlines.”

Over the past six weeks of war with Iran, the people of Israel have been rushing to bomb shelters over and over again to withstand the daily onslaught of Iranian ballistic missiles cruelly targeting the civilian heartland of this nation. The ICEJ has responded with numerous other war relief initiatives to meet urgent needs and encourage Israelis in this difficult time. This includes:

Emergency Equipment for First Responders: Besides the extra-protective helmets and vests for Zaka volunteers, we also have donated special communication devices for the emergency response teams in the Galilee.

Assistance for Holocaust Survivors: We have assisted hundreds of Holocaust survivors across Israel, including the dozens of residents in our special warm home for survivors in Haifa, as well as many others assisted through local charities and call centers that feed and look after these elderly survivors of the Nazi genocide.

Helping Displaced Families: The ICEJ has provided special grants for Israeli families whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed by Iranian missiles, and purchased furniture for evacuee families moved to temporary housing.

Upgrading Public Bomb Shelters: The ICEJ has upgraded large public bomb shelters in central and northern Israel to make them safer and more comfortable for those repeatedly needing their use.

Special Activities for Children: We have provided toys and games and sponsored group activities for children stuck in bomb shelters for long hours.

Therapy Treatments: The ICEJ has sponsored trauma therapy care for numerous families in areas impacted by rockets, as well as group therapy sessions for new Jewish immigrants in Aliyah centers.

Food Assistance For Families in Impacted Areas: The Christian Embassy has distributed gift card vouchers for food and other purchases to needy families in severely impacted towns across Israel.

Please join these urgent humanitarian and life-saving efforts by giving your best contribution today to our Israel in Crisis fund. Your gift could help provide more bomb shelters, assist Holocaust survivors, or free someone from the rubble of a missile strike.

Donate at: help.icej.org/crisis

Photos: All courtesy of ZAKA