Following the intense and almost daily terror incidents of recent weeks, particularly in the Jerusalem and Gush Etzion region, Zaka held an evening of psychological counseling for the volunteers who have been traumatized by the difficult and harrowing scenes they have witnessed. This activity is essential to ensure the emotional well-being of the Zaka volunteers, and their ability to continue their stressful work on an ongoing basis.

Dozens of volunteers from the Jerusalem and Gush Etzion region came together for an evening last week at the Jerusalem City Council, where they were able to talk and share their experiences and emotions with their fellow Zaka volunteers.

Divided into three smaller groups, the volunteers were able to open up and give vent to their emotions under the professional guidance of psychologists from the Israel Trauma Coalition. For two hours, one by one, they recounted their experiences and spoke about the difficulties they face in continuing their daily routine amongst such tragedy and bloodshed. There was a marked difference in the reactions of the veteran Zaka volunteers, who have witnessed the carnage of the first and second intifadas, and the newer Zaka volunteers, some of whom had never before witnessed such scenes.

The evening ended in all the groups coming together in uplifting song, under the direction of veteran Zaka volunteer Shimi Grossman.

Jerusalem Councilman Rabbi Yossi Deutsch addressed the Zaka volunteers, thanking them on behalf of the Mayor of Jerusalem for their sacred work for the benefit of the residents both in times of routine, but especially in these times of emergency. “You are on the front lines. We, the leaders of this city, draw strength from you when we see you carrying out your holy work with such dedication and emotional strength.”

Zaka Chairman and Founder Yehuda Meshi Zahav: “We will leave this evening with renewed strength and energies to continue in our volunteering efforts for the benefit of the people of Israel, both in our holy work and in our work sanctifying G-d’s name. Nothing will stop the Zaka volunteers serving the people of Israel.”

Tragically, since that evening, these same Zaka volunteers have had to deal with several stabbing and car-ramming attacks in Jerusalem and the Gush Etzion area, including fatal attacks.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem / Photos: Zaka)