In a moving show of support, Mayor of Miami Beach, Florida, Steve Meiner—a staunch supporter of Israel and a close ally on the global stage—visited ZAKA’s National Headquarters in Jerusalem last Wednesday to salute the organization and its dedicated volunteers.
During the visit, Mayor Meiner met with ZAKA CEO Dovi Weisznshttern and Executive Board Member Rabbi Yosef Shvinger, and toured the organization’s operations center. He received an in-depth briefing on ZAKA’s life-saving and recovery activities, the challenges faced since the outbreak of war, and the organization’s vital role in preserving the dignity of the dead in Israel’s most difficult disaster zones.
In an emotional ceremony, ZAKA’s leadership presented Mayor Meiner with a special Certificate of Appreciation, recognizing his years of friendship, advocacy for chesed shel emet (true kindness), and the strong partnership between ZAKA, the Jewish community, and municipal authorities in Miami.
ZAKA representatives highlighted the warm welcome and meaningful support they received during their recent visit to Mayor Meiner’s office in Miami—support that has greatly strengthened ZAKA’s international operations.
During the visit, Mayor Meiner personally presented a state-of-the-art medical and rescue equipment kit to ZAKA volunteer Simcha Greinman, a senior first responder in Modi’in Illit and member of ZAKA’s International Unit. The kit was donated by Miami resident and ZAKA supporter Mr. Larry Bockman, who dedicated the donation in honor of Mayor Meiner.
Dovi Weisznshttern, ZAKA CEO, said:
“When a Miami resident like Larry Bockman chooses to support ZAKA as a tribute to his own mayor, it speaks volumes about the deep and unbreakable connection between the Miami community and ZAKA’s volunteers.”
Mayor Steve Meiner, a vocal advocate against antisemitism and a proud supporter of the State of Israel, shared during the visit:
“The work you do is beyond human understanding. Miami Beach is proud to stand with you—you represent the beautiful face of humanity. The world has much to learn from you.”
Rabbi Yosef Shvinger, ZAKA Executive Board Member, added:
“The support of leaders like Steve Meiner and the direct connection to the Miami community through people like Larry Bockman give ZAKA volunteers the strength to continue their sacred mission, in both routine and crisis.”
