For the second time, members of the ZAKA emergency medical service participated in a multi-nation drill with the United States Military. The drill, which takes place once every two years, was held in the state of Indiana this year.

This year’s drill simulated a scenario of an 8.3-magnitude earthquake hitting the city of Bloomington in Indiana, similar to the earthquake that occurred in Nepal last month, which killed and injured thousands of civilians, and also left thousands homeless.

The purpose of the drill was to place an emphasis on international cooperation between the National Guard and the rescue units of Israel’s Home Front Command and ZAKA, which is recognized as an international organization by the United Nations.

The commanders of the National Guard who took part in the drill were particularly impressed with the capabilities of the ZAKA delegation and its professional conduct as reflected by the organization’s experience in disaster relief around the world. It was also agreed that ZAKA and the American military will continue their cooperation.

Following the end of the drill, the commanders of the National Guard gave the ZAKA delegation an award to express their appreciation and desire for further cooperation with the organization.

ZAKA chairman Yehuda Meshi-Zahav, who participated in the drill, said, “The invitation and participation of ZAKA in the multi-national drill of the U.S. Army is a great honor and a show of appreciation for the organization and its volunteers.”

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