In a modest and exciting ceremony that took place over the weekend in Rishon Lezion, new equipment was distributed to ZAKA’s “Mourner’s Gamachs”. The Gemachs supply all the necessities for the home of a mourner during the seven day period after the passing of a nuclear family member. The directors of each branch were present to accept the equipment.
ZAKA’s Gemachs are spread out over 30 locations around the country, and the service is provided to every citizen free of charge. The Gamachs provide every potential need for the mourners – from low chairs for the mourners, Torah scroll and ark for prayers, benches for visitors, psalms, mishnayot, hot water heater, portable air conditioner for the summer, heating radiators for the winter, halakhic books, and more. They even have teams that run errands for the mourners.
Dubi Wiesenstern, CEO of ZAKA: “The new equipment will strengthen and be a significant addition in our work helping bereaved families. Additional branches will soon open in other cities around the country.”
Yehuda Meshi Zahav, Chairman of the ZAKA: The dedication of the volunteers is commendable. The Gemach’s managers provide a response within hours to alleviate the pain of those who are grieving for their deceased loved ones. We are preparing to expand the activity to more places soon, in the hope and prayer that we will not need it.”
At the end of the ceremony, ZAKA CEO Dovi Weissenstern and ZAKA Brigadier General Haim Weingarten presented certificates of appreciation to the special Gemach managers for their work volunteering with great dedication in operating the branches for their city’s residents.
