Over 100 sheriffs gathered in Fort Lauderdale, FL, for a ZAKA-led training on kavod hames, learning about halachic burial practices, respectful handling of remains, and coordination with Jewish communities during crises.

Over 100 sheriffs from 30 states gathered in Fort Lauderdale for a powerful training and reception hosted by ZAKA Search and Rescue, Israel’s internationally renowned volunteer emergency response and disaster victim recovery organization. Held in coordination with the National Sheriffs’ Association, with whom ZAKA partners in the United States, the event marked a significant step in expanding cultural and religious sensitivity training across American law enforcement, specifically around Jewish traditions of honoring the dead.

Sheriffs in attendance heard directly from ZAKA leaders about Jewish laws and customs that govern the treatment of the remains of the deceased, including the religious imperative for rapid burial, respectful handling of human remains, and close coordination with Jewish communities during times of crisis. The event aimed to equip law enforcement agencies with the tools to better serve Jewish residents in their counties and uphold faith-based traditions even in the most difficult circumstances, including violent deaths or mass casualty events.

One of the most emotional moments of the evening came when Ilay David, the brother of Hamas hostage Evyatar David, addressed the audience. Evyatar was kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, terror attacks in southern Israel and remains in captivity. Ilay spoke from the heart about the importance of dignity in death, and in life.

“In our tradition, we do not leave the dead behind,” said Ilay 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.”

“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 ZAKA North Executive Director Moshe Rosenberg. “Our mission is to protect the living while upholding the dignity of the deceased, and we are here to share that mission with you.”

The training provided sheriffs with practical knowledge about Jewish customs surrounding death, including the prohibition on unnecessary autopsies, the importance of involving Jewish clergy or chaplains, and the need to facilitate the timely release of bodies in coordination with family and faith leaders. Attendees also learned how to build relationships with local Jewish communities based on mutual understanding and how to respond appropriately in the event of a tragedy affecting Jewish residents.

A memorial ceremony closed the evening, honoring the more than 1,200 victims murdered during the October 7 Hamas attacks. The event served as both a moment of learning and a call to action, as law enforcement leaders pledged to bring these lessons back to their home counties and departments.

The partnership between ZAKA and the National Sheriffs’ Association is expected to grow in the coming months, with additional training programs and resources planned nationwide. For the sheriffs who attended, the night was more than informative; it was transformative.

Founded to honor the dead in accordance with religious tradition, ZAKA has evolved into a full-scale emergency response network, with over 4,000 trained volunteers operating 24/7 across Israel. Today, it operates a wide range of units – from rapid medical response and urban search and rescue to water recovery and culturally sensitive burial teams serving Israel’s Jewish, Bedouin, Arab, and Druze communities. For more information, visit: https://zakaworld.org/.

Photo: Gabby Darling/National Sheriffs’ Association