A delegation from ZAKA's International Division are providing assistance in cities across Colombia following the deadly earthquake that killed at least 250 people in the South American country earlier this week.
The earthquake struck on Monday, with a magnitude of 7.4 that shook Colombia's coastal Choco province. According to the geological service, the quake struck at a depth of 79 km, with its epicenter near San José del Palmar.
Shortly after the initial tremor, the geological service reported an additional magnitude 4.8 seismic incident in the same region.
The delegation, which includes search and rescue personnel, doctors, engineers, and experts in preserving the dignity of the dead, have arrived in Cali, Pereira, and Chocó, as well at other locations where the earthquake hit and are working alongside local rescue teams.
In addition to the rescue and search operations, ZAKA has established a temporary clinic at one of the earthquake's destruction sites to provide immediate medical care to those in need.
ZAKA operating for Jewish community, Colombian people
"From the very first moment, we began operating at the scenes of destruction, with the goal of saving lives and helping anyone who needs assistance," said Yosef Garmon, ZAKA South America Commander and is leading the delegation. "Alongside the rescue operations, we established a temporary clinic at the scene of the destruction, where the medical teams are treating the sick and injured, providing medications, and delivering initial medical care under field conditions.
"We are operating here for the Jewish community, but also for all local residents. For us, this is a mission of mutual responsibility and one of human responsibility. We hope to sanctify God's name and do everything in our power to provide hope, assistance, and relief to the Colombian people."
Director of ZAKA's International Division Baruch Nidam said that ZAKA's International Division operates "wherever disaster strikes around the world."
"At every scene, we bring extensive experience, professional knowledge, advanced equipment, and endless dedication," affirmed Nidam. "In Colombia as well, ZAKA volunteers are working around the clock, shoulder to shoulder with local rescue forces, to save lives, locate missing people, and provide as much medical and humanitarian assistance as possible.
"Establishing the temporary clinic inside the disaster area is part of our effort to provide a comprehensive response to those affected, not only through rescue operations, but also through medical treatment and assistance to the population left without support as a result of the destruction."
"ZAKA is an organization that goes to the most difficult places in the world in order to help and save lives," ZAKA CEO Zvi Hassid echoed Nidam and Garmon. "In moments of disaster, there is no distinction between one person and another, whoever needs help, we are there for them."
He added that the organization's volunteers are operating in Colombia under difficult conditions in order to provide treatment and assistance, "and above all, the feeling that they are not alone," to those in need.
Israel to send additional humanitarian delegation to Colombia
An additional humanitarian delegation from Israel is expected to depart for Colombia in the coming days, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a Wednesday statement, following a request for aid from Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella.
ZAKA's volunteers already operating on the ground are expected to join the delegation and operate alongside it at the disaster sites, according to needs on the ground and the instructions of local rescue authorities.