After 17 years without formal relations, Israel and Venezuela are opening a new chapter — weeks after an Israeli humanitarian delegation, including ZAKA volunteers, deployed to the country following a devastating earthquake.

ZAKA welcomed the announcement by Israel’s Foreign Ministry, headed by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, that consular relations between Israel and Venezuela are being renewed and an official coordination channel is being established between the two countries.

Less than a month ago, an Israeli humanitarian mission arrived in Venezuela in the aftermath of the powerful earthquake that struck the country. The delegation included ZAKA personnel, members of the IDF Home Front Command and other Israeli professionals who worked alongside local authorities on rescue, assistance and identification efforts.

ZAKA’s contingent was led by Rabbi Yosef Garmon, commander of ZAKA South America.

According to the organization, the Israeli humanitarian operation was warmly received by Venezuelan government officials and became one of the most significant channels of communication between the two countries at a time when no formal diplomatic relations existed.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted the broader significance of the mission at the time, saying it was “rebuilding the ruins and also the relations.”

ZAKA CEO Tzvi Hassid said the volunteers entered Venezuela with one objective: helping people in need.

“Less than a month ago, members of ZAKA’s International Division were operating in Venezuela to do what we know how to do better than anything else — save lives, assist victims, and give final dignity to those who did not survive. We did not go there to talk about politics or diplomacy. We went there as human beings to fellow human beings.

“Today, as the countries announce the opening of a new chapter in their relations, we are proud to know that the large ZAKA family was there at the moment when a bridge of humanity, compassion and solidarity was being built.”

Baruch Nidam, director of ZAKA’s International Division, said the deployment illustrated how humanitarian efforts can transcend diplomatic barriers.

“Our activity in Venezuela proved once again that the language of saving lives is an international language. ZAKA personnel from South America operated in a country that had no relations with Israel for 17 years, and on the ground worked shoulder to shoulder with local professionals with one goal — to assist the victims and their families.

“Today, as relations between the countries reopen, we look back with pride at those volunteers who operated there during the most difficult moments. Alongside their professional capabilities, they brought the Israeli spirit of mutual responsibility, accountability and respect for human dignity.

“For us, this is the true meaning of ZAKA’s International Division: to be there when we are needed, anywhere in the world, and to extend a hand even when diplomatic bridges do not yet exist. Those bridges are first built by people.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)