Representatives from the Zaka International Rescue Unit participated in the recent two-day United Nations World Humanitarian Summit, held in Istanbul, Turkey, sharing best practices with participants from around the world. The summit, the first of its kind, held under the banner of international humanitarian cooperation for a better world, was headed by UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, with the participation of presidents, and representatives of hundreds of aid organizations from all over the world, who came to participate in a professional conference and make an attempt “to make the world a better place”.

Zaka’s participation in the prestigious summit came in the wake of the recent granting of consultative status by the United Nations to the international humanitarian volunteer body. The delegation included the commander of Zaka’s International Rescue Unit, Mati Goldstein, and veteran Zaka volunteer, Shimon Grossman, who have both accrued a great deal of experience in mass casualty emergencies including many humanitarian disasters worldwide.

The Zaka representatives participated, among other events, in the State of Israel’s official event headed by Mr. Kobi Wimisberg, Director of Strategy and Cooperation, the National Emergency Management Authority, Israel Ministry of Defense.

During the event, Mr. Wimisberg explained the National Emergency Management Authority’s ideology regarding preparedness for disasters and war; the unit volunteers explained to the audience from around the world, about the communities training program that connects community emergency teams for easier rescue. The program was highly praised by the heads of state at the summit. It should be noted that the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs Agency for International Development Cooperation MASHAV expressed its willingness to help anywhere in the world where its aid is needed.

Despite the political climate in Israel, Zaka representatives sat together with representatives of organizations from all over the world, in order to advance possible cooperative ventures. Unfortunately, Zaka representatives were often attacked by pro-Palestinian representatives/ However, once the spirit of the organization was explained to them and they understood that Zaka does not discriminate on race, religion, creed or gender, and that Zaka volunteers have participated in dozens of incidents around the world, including cooperating with Arab organizations, representatives of Arab television stations asked the Zaka volunteers for interviews and to be hosted on news programs, on the topic of “the rescue teams that unite all population sectors”.

The results and conclusions of this summit again prove that the Zaka organization and volunteers have taken their place as a global volunteer body that is willing to participate in any cooperative effort so as to pass on important information gained from years of practical experience, and connect worlds through action and volunteerism.

Shimon Grossman: “The summit on an international scale places Zaka as one of the leading organizations in the field. I feel that we had a special mission here on behalf of the residents of Israel and world Jewry. We could say that we enjoyed tremendous success, thank G-d.”

Mati Goldstein: “The inter-organizational dialog serves as a unique fabric to connect with other countries, and removes many barriers that exist within official bodies. I am delighted that our program was so highly praised, and that we not only save lives and honor the dead, but also removes barriers.”

Zaka chairman, Yehuda Meshi Zahav: “The dedication of our volunteers in Israel and overseas is beyond words, and is now receiving the proper international expression. Our worldwide volunteer deployment can provide solutions for any emergency incident or routine situations, and most importantly of all, contributes to cooperative efforts and friendship not only among brothers but can also bring nations closer, even those who are usually considered enemies.”

Photo: Zaka International Rescue Unit Commander Mati Goldstein (left) and Zaka volunteer Shimon Grossman (right) with fellow participants at the recent United Nations World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul.

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