In 2004, ZAKA launched its Missing Persons Tracing Unit to assist in locating vulnerable individuals who had wandered away or disappeared, often due to Alzheimer’s disease or suicidal intentions. The mission was urgent: find and help them before tragedy struck—or, if the worst occurred, locate the body to bring closure for grieving families. Volunteers investigated each incident, pieced together vital clues, and coordinated large-scale searches to uncover “something from nothing.”

A Growing Need

By 2005, the Missing Persons Tracing Unit was responding to countless calls for help—both on land and in water. Recognizing that ground volunteers alone could not meet every challenge, ZAKA rapidly expanded its capabilities. That same year, the Divers Unit and the Search and Rescue Dog (K9) Unit were formed. From the moment they began operations, these teams were dispatched to dozens of missing-person cases—on land and beneath the surface.

Innovations in Maritime Rescue

Before long, it became clear that ZAKA also needed a specialized way to transport divers, search equipment, and supplies across open water. This insight led to the creation of the Sapir Jet Ski Unit, named in memory of the daughter of the unit’s commander. By harnessing fast-moving personal watercraft, ZAKA volunteers gained the ability to reach distant search zones quickly—saving critical time and giving new hope to families awaiting news.

Refining Search Capabilities

Each new search operation highlighted additional professional needs. The K9 Unit sharpened its protocols, eventually achieving a high operational standard that drew worldwide interest. These extraordinary dogs can detect any missing person in distress—living or deceased—without advance clues like clothing, offering an unparalleled advantage in urgent rescue missions.

All-Terrain Response

The challenges didn’t stop at water. Some searches required traveling across harsh, impassable terrain. In 2009, ZAKA formed its All-Terrain Vehicle Unit, enlisting volunteers equipped with 4×4 vehicles to tackle rugged landscapes. These teams transport diving gear and small watercraft along difficult coastlines and participate in dozens of missing-person searches each year.

Unwavering Service, Powered by Volunteers

Today, ZAKA’s special units operate with humility, determination, and extraordinary professionalism across a broad range of emergencies. From missing persons on land or at sea to urgent medical rescue, each unit answers the call to save lives or bring closure to families in crisis. These dedicated teams exist only because of the generous support of donors worldwide—people who believe in ZAKA’s mission to stand ready, day or night, wherever help is needed.