For the first time in history, the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) in the United States has signed an agreement with a Jewish organization.

At a ceremony held in Washington, D.C., with the participation of ZAKA leadership, including the organization’s CEO Dovi Wisnshtern, Deputy Director of Operations Chaim Wengarten, Director of ZAKA USA Moshe Rosenberg (who initiated the project), KMBZ of Lachish Region Yossi Landau, ZAKA USA Commander Yanki Landau, and ZAKA’s International Division Representative Simcha Greinman, along with dozens of sheriffs from across the U.S., ZAKA CEO Dovi Wisnshtern and NSA CEO Jonathan Thompson signed a humanitarian cooperation agreement to promote the honor of the deceased.

The agreement aims to strengthen disaster relief efforts across the United States, both in routine situations and emergencies, especially in the areas of handling deceased individuals according to Jewish law. The agreement includes the development of practical steps for cooperation, such as mutual training, coordination during emergencies, and establishing communication systems between the bodies to facilitate handling fatalities in mass casualty events while maintaining the dignity of the deceased.

ZAKA is enhancing U.S. security forces with knowledge gained through experience in emergency events. As part of the cooperation agreement, sheriffs across the U.S. will also undergo special training regarding Jewish communities in the U.S., helping them understand unique needs and provide sensitive and effective responses to events involving members of the community.

The National Sheriffs’ Association of the United States includes 3,081 sheriffs from different counties across the U.S., offering them professional support, training, and strengthening local law enforcement activities.

The agreement document notes that the cooperation is meant to ensure professional and accurate responses in preserving the dignity of the deceased during disaster events, while improving the ability to act in critical moments immediately after a disaster strikes. ZAKA has unique knowledge that enables it to perform its duties while preserving evidence at the scene, according to law enforcement standards.

ZAKA CEO Dovi Wisnshtern said after signing the agreement: “This agreement marks a significant step in expanding ZAKA’s humanitarian work worldwide. Cooperation with the NSA enables us to improve our response in critical hours for the honor of the deceased. The agreement also opens doors for Jewish communities across the United States, offering them assistance through local sheriffs and coordination with local law enforcement agencies.”

NSA CEO Jonathan Thompson noted: “The connection with ZAKA, which brings with it vast professional experience, is an important step in ensuring effective and comprehensive responses in emergency cases and during critical situations.”

Photo: ZAKA Spokesperson