🚨 DAY 538 OF THE WAR 🚨

As Israel confronts the horrors of war, another deeply disturbing tragedy is quietly unfolding behind closed doors.

In just the last month, Zaka Tel-Aviv volunteers have recovered the bodies of 25 elderly individuals found alone in their homes—in advanced stages of decomposition. In a single day, four such cases were reported in cities including Tel Aviv, Bnei Brak, Ashdod, and Petah Tikva. These are not just numbers—they are people, forgotten and unseen in the heart of our own communities.

Zaka spokesperson Israel Hassid describes the rise in these cases as "deeply troubling"—a phenomenon he’s never witnessed at such intensity over so short a period. Our volunteers are entering homes where the only warning signs were the smell of decay and neighbors noticing untouched food parcels on doors. In one tragic instance, an elderly man in Bnei Brak was found only after a Purim package remained untouched for days, and a strong odor raised alarm.

Dr. Roy Verona, a senior geriatric expert, said: “Loneliness can kill.” Over 85% of elderly citizens in Israel live independently, outside of care homes. Without community connection, without regular check-ins, their lives hang in a fragile balance. And with no extreme weather to blame, we are forced to confront a harsher truth: social isolation has become a silent killer.

Our volunteers don’t just handle the deceased—they protect the living. We are launching initiatives to raise awareness, strengthen community vigilance, and increase our emergency response capabilities.

Together, we can bring light into this darkness. Together, we can say that in the State of Israel, no soul will be abandoned.

Thank you for being part of our mission.

Yoni Gilboa
Director of Zaka Tel-Aviv

Zaka Tel-Aviv is a dedicated search and rescue organization operating in 21 cities across Israel. Throughout this war, we've been directly summoned by the IDF and the Israeli Police to address critical situations and minimize casualties, due to our vital role in Israel's emergency response framework. Beyond our immediate rescue missions, Zaka Tel-Aviv actively engages in the dignified handling and identification of the deceased, ensuring respect and care in every circumstance. With twenty years of unwavering service and backed by thousands of committed volunteers, our dedication showcases our deep commitment to the people of Israel.

Zaka Tel-Aviv is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.
Tax ID Number: 84-4797627