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ZAKA, the all-volunteer organization responsible for emergency medicine and remains recovery at terrorist attacks in Israel, will honor Ryan Karben in a Capitol Hill ceremony in mid- September.

Karben wll receive the Defender of Israel Award.

The ceremony in the House Caucus Room will also pay tribute to Members of Congress who have stood strong against terror. Leaders of the major American Jewish organizations and the Israeli government will take part.

Sponsors are needed to underwrite the luncheon. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please click here.

"ZAKA confronts the unspeakable, collecting the consequences of murder and terror," Karben said, "The entire world stands in awe of the faith and compassion of these volunteers who provide the final measure of dignity to strangers who can never repay the debt."

Ryan Karben dedicated an emergency service vehicle in memory of the late Assemblyman Kenneth P. Zebrowski at ceremony in late June at Welder Park.

The vehicle was donated to Chaverim, a non-profit organization providing emergency assistance to families and law enforcement.

"The work of Chaverim is a daily reminder of the virtues of volunteerism," Karben said, "Chaverim also mean 'friends,' and I'm honored to dedicate this vehicle in memory of my friend, Ken Zebrowski." Zebrowski, a longtime Rockland County legislator and state assemblyman, died in early 2007. "Ken was my partner and my friend," Karben said, "I miss his counsel, his humor and his grit. There can be no greater tribute to his public service than a vehicle that will serve the public every day, just like he did."

Karben and Zebrowski provided a $50,000 grant for the vehicle during their service together in the State Assembly.

On hand for the ceremony were, the late Assemblyman's son, Assemblyman Kenneth Paul Zebrowski, Judges Tom Walsh and Alan Simon, Supervisor Christopher St. Lawerence, County Clerk Paul Piperato and County Legislators Ilan Schoenberger and Alden Wolfe.