NEW YORK, NY — (Marketwired) — 10/31/13 — On Sunday, November 3rd, Zaka International will celebrate the installation of its new International Chairman, Meir Gurvitz, at a ribbon cutting ceremony which will be held in New York City. The appointment of Mr Gurvitz ushers in a new era for Zaka and its world-wide lifesaving activities.
Zaka International was founded in 1989 as a humanitarian organization dedicated to the rescue and recovery of victims following terror attacks, bombings, and natural disasters. Over 2,800 Zaka volunteers based in 15 different countries provide rapid response and deployment in short notice wherever necessary. Its outstanding work has prompted the UN to recognize Zaka as an international humanitarian volunteer organization. Zaka has been requested to assist at disasters in Japan, Haiti, New Orleans, and Thailand and terror attacks around the world.
Zvi Gluck, CEO of Zaka International and Director of Operations, discusses Zaka–s significant involvement in the New York area. “During Hurricane Sandy,” he says, “Zaka volunteers who are trained in search and rescue were very active. These volunteers have since decided to establish a fully operational team here in New York.”
The installation of Meir Gurvitz, a distinguished philanthropist as well as a savvy real estate investor, industrialist, and business magnate, will add an energizing new dimension to Zaka International as it continues to pursue its vital lifesaving activities. Mr. Gurvitz–s appointment has been widely welcomed by senior members of Israel–s government including Ariel Attias, Housing Minister, Gideon Sa–ar, former Minister of Education, and Professor Daniel Hershkowitz, Minister of Science and Technology, as well as Shimon Peres, President of the State of Israel. Ambassador Ido Aharoni, Israel–s Consul General, writes, “I thank you for all the work you and Zaka do on behalf of the people of Israel.”
With its newly inaugurated and prominent Chairman at its helm, Zaka International will continue to operate at the forefront of disaster assistance and lifesaving aid around the world.
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Ezra Friedlander