East Asia ZAKA International Rescue Unit First Training Workshop Completed

After launching ZAKA Hong Kong, Macau and China in March 2010, the Israel-based, UN-recognized ZAKA volunteer rescue and recovery organization last week completed its first training workshop in emergency preparedness, disaster management and medical first response for 35 local volunteers from the HK Jewish and non-Jewish communities.

 

The course graduates will now serve as members of the East Asia ZAKA International Rescue Unit, joining the expanding volunteer network of ZAKA units around the world, ready to ensure a rapid response to any regional emergency or mass casualty incident that may occur, as support to the local professional emergency services. In addition, the volunteers are trained in the halachic aspects of honoring the dead, ensuring a full Jewish burial for victims of unnatural death. 

 

Mati Goldstein and Dovie Maisel, the veteran co-directors of the ZAKA International Rescue Unit with experience of international disasters that includes, among others, Haiti, Mumbai, the tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, led the intensive four-day hands-on training workshop which took place in the Ohel Leah Jewish Community Center and culminated in a mass casualty drill. Maisel: “In those first critical 24-48 hours, and before the ZAKA team from Israel can arrive, the local ZAKA International Rescue Unit volunteers can assist the emergency services in saving lives and stabilizing the situation.”

 

Golan Lansberg, Company Commander (reserves) in the IDF National Search and Rescue Unit, gave a lecture on the IDF’s international rescue missions. Israel Ambassador Consul General Amikam Levy, Hon. Chairman ZAKA HK, Macao & China Judge Michael Hartmann and other members of the ZAKA board also attended workshop sessions.

 

According to ZAKA Chairman and Founder Yehuda Meshi Zahav, ZAKA is proud to share its expertise with others around the world: “ZAKA brings different sectors of the community together to help others, regardless of religion, race or creed. This workshop offered a unique sight – representatives from the Hong Kong police, fire, emergency and hospital services training alongside members of the local Jewish community with rescue and recovery experts brought in from Israel, all volunteering together to help save lives.”

 

President, ZAKA Hong Kong, Macau and China Rafael Aharoni: “Given the increasing threat of global terrorism and the frequency of natural disasters in Asia, ZAKA is expanding its operations across this region. Hong Kong, with its excellent infrastructure and well organized services is a natural choice as a regional center. The training course is just a first step in the local activities, as ZAKA plans to establish a fully equipped center in Hong Kong to serve the East Asia region and train more volunteers in emergency preparedness, medical first response and disaster management.”

 

Lu Siu-Wai, a company commander in Hong Kong’s Civil Aid Service, said of the volunteer organization: “ZAKA may not have the best equipment but their participation in a number of disasters is valuable. Theirs are the best cases to study.” Another course participant who had no previous experience, grandmother-of-four Ketty Grossman, noted: “I needed to learn how to help people in trouble, whether they are involved in a road accident, have fallen down in the street, or are victims of any man-made or natural disaster. In a world where every minute of our lives may be at risk, I feel it is essential to know the basics about helping people stay alive.”

 

Other ZAKA International Rescue Units around the world include Mexico, Argentina, the Ukraine, the States and France. Local communities interested in joining this growing international network are invited to contact David Rose: davidrose@zaka.org.uk