[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

Once again Zaka is ready for the hundreds of thousands who are expected to participate in next weekend’s annual Lag B’Omer celebrations in Meron, coming to visit the tziyun of the Rashbi ZT”L ZY”A.

Working in cooperation with the Israel Police and the Chasdei Shabtai organization, Zaka will work to locate the many children who become parted from their families in the crowds, offer emergency medical assistance and help with search and rescue, where necessary. Zaka volunteers will be operating at the site continuously, on a shift basis, from Tuesday, (May 24) though Shabbos evening (May 28)

Tens of thousands of identification wristbands will be distributed for children (with their name and contact details of family members). This creative initiative, started several ago by Zaka, has proved its success in helping identify lost children – and reuniting them with their parents – in the shortest possible time

· A special hotline for missing children and adults (1220 from any phone) will be manned by Zaka volunteers throughout the Lag B’Omer celebrations.

· A special, manned two-room center for lost children, with games and equipment, will be set up on site.

· A dedicated area for administering emergency first aid

· Zaka all-terrain vehicles and ambulances will be at the site for use as and when necessary.

· Zaka volunteers will distribute about 30,000 bottles of water to prevent dehydration

Zaka Chairman Yehuda Meshi-Zahav: “As in every year, dozens of Zaka volunteers will be working in shifts round the clock at Mt. Meron, offering a variety of services to help the tens of thousands who flock to the site to celebrate Lag B’Omer. All this is done in cooperation and coordination with the emergency and rescue forces.”

Photos are from lag B’Omer 5775.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)