More than 100 sheriffs from 30 American states participated in a training seminar hosted by ZAKA Search and Rescue last week, aimed at educating law enforcement on Jewish customs related to honoring the dead.
The event, held in collaboration with the National Sheriffs’ Association, took place in Fort Lauderdale and marks a growing partnership between US law enforcement and ZAKA to promote religious and cultural sensitivity, especially in times of tragedy or mass casualty events.
Sheriffs in attendance received briefings from ZAKA leadership on Jewish laws surrounding death, including the requirement for rapid burial, respectful treatment of remains, and coordination with Jewish communities.
The training also addressed the religious prohibition on unnecessary autopsies and the need to involve rabbis or Jewish chaplains when appropriate.
“Jewish law and tradition place profound importance on honoring the dignity of those who have passed, recognizing the human body as sacred even in death,” said Moshe Rosenberg, executive director of ZAKA North.
“Our mission is to protect the living while upholding the dignity of the deceased, and we are here to share that mission with you,” he said.
Hearing from hostage families
One of the evening’s most emotional moments came during remarks by Ilay David, whose brother Evyatar was kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7 attacks and remains in captivity.
“In our tradition, we do not leave the dead behind,” said David. “And we don’t let go of hope for the living. My brother is still not home, but ZAKA was there for so many other families, helping them recover the bodies of their loved ones, identifying them, and ensuring they received a proper Jewish burial. That is dignity. That is honor. That is what every human deserves.”
ZAKA’s leaders emphasized that while the training involves the teaching of Jewish religious principles, its goal is to ensure that law enforcement agencies are equipped to serve the needs of Jewish communities with sensitivity and respect.
The evening concluded with a memorial ceremony for the more than 1,200 people killed in the Hamas attacks on October 7. Sheriffs in attendance pledged to bring what they had learned back to their counties and to implement practices that recognize and honor diverse cultural traditions in crisis response.
ZAKA and the National Sheriffs’ Association stated that they plan to expand their partnership with additional training and resource development for US law enforcement agencies.