This week, ZAKA Search & Rescue announced its plan to provide a new service: The “Chesed Car” for aveilim.
An organization synonymous with grief and mourning, ZAKA’s work had previously focused on tending to the proper burial of the deceased. However they have now begun to take a new approach, focused on the still-living loved ones left in the midst of tragedy. However, due to the non-profit and volunteer nature of the organization, fundraising will reportedly be necessary to make their plans into reality. ZAKA released the following statement Thursday morning:
“ZAKA hopes to provide a new and incredible service: a ‘chesed car’ for aveilim. The ZAKA Chesed Car would provide full equipment for the days of shiva. Once the help center receives a referral, a vehicle would be filled with all items required for the deceased’s home in order to ease the grieving family as much as possible.
In order to continue this work, ZAKA must immediately purchase a new vehicle that can accommodate all the items that the mourners and family members need, including new equipment including chairs for the mourners, benches for mourners, Torah scrolls, water tanks and dozens more. The supplies will even include a Sefer Torah contributed to by the gedolim themselves.
Those who open their heart to give will be a true partner in ‘chesed shel emes’. Thank you.”