At a ceremony held at the headquarters of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development Conference & Exhibition (DIHAD), the United Arab Emirates organization signed a cooperation agreement with its Israeli counterpart ZAKA. The two organizations will now work together to provide aid and assistance in the wake of international crises and disaster situations.

The parties also announced ZAKA’s formal joining as an active member of the DIHAD International Conference, which will be held in Dubai this coming March. The goal is cooperation between the two organizations in humanitarian aid, crisis and disaster situations. In addition, ZAKA will offer courses and training to local UAE volunteers and will participate in joint exercises.

The Memorandum of Understanding drafted by ZAKA’s legal advisor, Gideon Fischer, was signed by Mr. Paul Wilson, Director General of Planning, Business Development and International Relations at the Holdings Index (the owner of DIHAD). Mr. Yehuda Meshi Zahav, chairman of the ZAKA organization also participated, along with DIHAD Chairman Dr. Abdul Salem al-Madani and his son Anas al-Madani, the organization’s director general.

The DIHAD International Conference is held annually with over 15,000 participants, who come from 650 international emergency and rescue organizations, humanitarian groups and government bodies. The conference is sponsored by the government of the United Arab Emirates. The conference discusses ideas, plans and practical solutions to help and assist in crises and disaster events around the world.

ZAKA’s participation in the International Conference in Dubai is considered a historic achievement. It is the first Israeli organization to do so. ZAKA operates as an international organization recognized by the United Nations. It has vast experience in rescue assistance and aid in dozens of international disasters where it has helped thousands of people in need, regardless of nationality, religion, race, gender or political affiliation.

Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani said: “We are confident that ZAKA’s participation in DIHAD will be of great benefit due to their immense efforts and expertise in the field of humanitarian work and the training of specialized cadres in situations of disaster. We are proud of their joining the DIHAD Conference and Exhibition as the first institution participating in this humanitarian event from the State of Israel.”

The chairman of ZAKA, Yehuda Meshi Zahav added: “We see it as a great privilege, within the implementation of the Abraham Accords, to be the first Israeli humanitarian organization to sign an agreement of cooperation with DIHAD. There is no greater expression of peace than volunteer units partnering for mutual humanitarian aid and assistance, as well as professional training in search, rescue, and recovery.”

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