Following the devastating floods that struck Texas’s Hill Country region on American Independence Day, July 4, 2025, ZAKA’s International Unit joined local emergency and relief forces in responding to the unprecedented disaster.

The mission was launched at the request of Texas emergency authorities in response to the urgent need to locate missing persons swept away by the powerful flash floods of the Guadalupe River, which rose more than 25 feet in less than 90 minutes.

Field coordination was initiated by ZAKA’s Director of International Relations, Marnix van Ede, while the mission is being led on the ground by ZAKA International Commander Nachman Dyksztejn, together with his wife, Valerie Dyksztejn, a software engineer. Both are operating directly at the disaster site.

ZAKA CEO Dubi Weissenstern stated:

“This is a unique mission, unlike any we have undertaken before. For the first time, ZAKA created a direct connection between flood-response experts and Texas command teams. The mission includes specialists in hydrology, hydraulics, and engineering, working in close collaboration with Professor Barak Fishbein of the Technion. His advanced AI model analyzes water flow dynamics, simulates flood behavior, and precisely maps high-risk zones.”

The deployment is being carried out in full coordination with Texas A&M Task Force 1 (TX-TF1) and under the supervision of the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM).

Nachman Dyksztejn, ZAKA International Commander, added:

“The ability to rapidly deploy a small, professional rescue team once again demonstrates ZAKA’s international readiness, made possible through the generous support and collaboration of community leaders, emergency agencies, and local partners.”

Partners and Supporters

This mission is made possible thanks to the partnership and assistance of:

• Bridges for Peace

• Kenneth Copeland Ministries

• The Berea community

• Rabbi Avraham Sheinberg, San Antonio Jewish community

• Chabad emissary Rabbi Tal Shaul

• Additional communities across Texas and the United States

The mission is also being carried out in cooperation with the Israeli Consulate General in Houston and the Government of Israel.