Israel search and recovery team ZAKA deployed to Sydney to assist after Bondi attacks
An Israeli search and recovery team has been deployed to Sydney in the wake of Sunday’s deadly terrorist attack.
Horrific scenes unfolded at the Jewish event Chanukah By The Sea at Bondi Beach on Sunday night when father and son gunmen Sajid and Naveed Akram allegedly opened fire on bystanders.
Sajid, 50, was shot dead by police while Naveed, 24, was injured and taken into custody at the scene.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The death toll from the attack has risen to 15 innocent victims with a 10-year-old girl among those killed.
Six people are fighting for life as of 8am on Tuesday, with a total of 25 people still in hospitals across Sydney.
In the wake of the tragedy, ZAKA Search and Rescue has deployed an international team to Australia to assist authorities and the Jewish community to ensure proper Kavod Hameit — dignity for the dead in accordance with Jewish law, faith and tradition.
Dozens of officials, including specialists with experience responding to terror attacks in Israel and abroad have been sent by ZAKA, which acts as Israel’s volunteer emergency response and disaster victim recovery organisation.
As recovery efforts begin, the organisation said they are “there for every Jew, no matter where they are, in times of crisis”.
“We bring deep experience from terror scenes, working hand-in-hand with law enforcement to preserve critical forensic evidence, while also ensuring the dead are treated with the utmost dignity and can be buried as quickly as possible in accordance with Jewish law,” said ZAKA CEO Dubi Weissenstern.
The teams are trained to respond to complex scenes as well as to honour the deceased, he said.
As The ZAKA team arrive in Sydney, officials said they will provide both technical assistance and spiritual support to local communities grappling with the aftermath of the attack.
“ZAKA stands with and supports Klal Yisrael across the globe,” said Moshe Rozenberg, ZAKA’s U.S.-based executive director.
“When Jews are attacked for who they are, we show up, not only to help recover the fallen with dignity, but to send a clear message of unity, responsibility and care for one another, wherever we may be.”
With Hanukkah beginning under the shadow of tragedy, the recovery ream are set to ensure the dignity of the victims will not be compromised, as well as support grieving families.
Originally published as Israel search and recovery team ZAKA deployed to Sydney to assist after Bondi attacks
