A devastating investigation has exposed a troubling reality behind the respected Israeli volunteer organization Zaka. In the aftermath of Hamas’ October 7 massacre, Zaka raised tens of millions of shekels from donors in Israel and abroad—about 45 million from the U.S. and another 50 million locally. Yet, according to an internal audit, a staggering portion of that money has disappeared with little to no accountability.
Despite official denials, Zaka’s leadership is deeply intertwined with its foreign fundraising arms. CEO Dubi Weissenstern allegedly used a U.S.-based Zaka credit card and directed donors to entities managed by relatives. Funds were reportedly funneled into unknown accounts, and volunteers allegedly used donations to purchase personal vehicles. At the same time, donated equipment vanished, and no reliable inventory controls were in place.
Compounding the scandal is Zaka’s apparent willingness to inflate its volunteer numbers—claiming 4,000 volunteers to secure greater government funding, while internal records related to major donations referenced only 900 people. Zaka volunteers, including senior figure Yossi Landau, spread false horror stories after October 7—stories that were proven untrue but generated widespread international attention and likely boosted fundraising.
United Hatzalah similarly spread false-testimony that was almost entirely untrue.
Instead of addressing these serious allegations transparently, Zaka has leaned into damage control and public relations. Just weeks ago, the organization partnered with The Jerusalem Post for a glitzy gala in New York City. The event, filled with emotional tributes and self-congratulations, painted Zaka as a beacon of resilience. The CEO thanked The Jerusalem Post for helping Zaka “fundraise globally,” revealing a cozy media alliance that now serves to deflect scrutiny.
What began as a noble mission—to honor the dead—has devolved into a web of financial misconduct, inflated narratives, and paid promotions. Donors gave in good faith. Israelis trusted this group with their grief. Both deserve honest answers and real reform—not more photo ops and puff pieces.
Zaka must be held to account. Truth must come before image. And the victims of October 7 deserve far better than this.
