From a Reader:
"Anyone that goes against Hatzolah is causing problems from their point. Don't get me wrong, Hatzolah is great but they cannot handle some competition and make it sound like life is at stake. No body is forced to call anyone so if someone decides to call the new EMS so be it. For the Rabonim behind it, they are afraid of Hatzolah and therefore ask that their name not be publicized. From the FDNY EMS standpoint, Hatzolah is an adult boys club. Its all about Ego of the leaders in Hatzolah."
Recently, a news story appeared, harshly criticizing the recently launched “Jewish Volunteer Ambulance Service” in Jackson, near Lakewood (JJVAS). The article said, “Contrary to its altruistic-sounding name, the terrible facts are that the kehilla it ostensibly serves will pay for it in yiddishe blood.”
It added that “When the rabbanim of Jackson, NJ, gathered in June of 2022 to discuss whether a new Hatzolah-esque organization should be opened to service the burgeoning kehillos that call Jackson home, the result was unequivocal opposition to the launch of a new emergency service.”
It continued, “The JJVAS paid no heed to the call of the rabbanim of Jackson, instead relying on the approbations of unnamed and unknown “rabbanim” whose identities are still a mystery.”
This is clearly a very important topic, as Jewish lives are at stake. The work of Hatzolah and all first responders is the loftiest avodah imaginable. And VIN News has no personal knowledge of this situation.
With that said, we felt that it is important to share the various sides of this life-and-death discussion. JJVAS Founder Yitzchak (Iaaac) Birnhack, says that there have been concerns about response times in Jackson. However others completely deny that claim.
Mr. Birnhack says that he decided to launch a separate volunteer ambulance service under a different name, not connected to Hatzolah.
However it appears that there are multiple community leaders who do not agree with his decision to launch at all. Mr. Birhack confirmed that a meeting of Jackson Rabbanim took place to discuss the matter, and the consensus of those present was that his service would not be a good idea for the community.
Mr. Birnhack says that there is no concern about his service leading to problems. However there are prominent people who believe that his service could put lives at risk.
Birnhack says that since the article was published several weeks ago, he has received calls from Jackson residents in support of his endeavor, and a surge in applications from responders. In addition, he is offering a free EMT course.
Several days ago, VIN News reached out to Hatzolah of Central Jersey about this important matter, and we were informed that they are in the process of sending their response.
3 comments:
interseting, when Americans comment on Israeli matters, you make sure to point out that they have no business mixing into politics outside their sphere and let the locals take care of their matters.
As usual there is alot of info and considerations that cannot be publicized. Many of the frum emergency services originating in Lakewood have laid an extensive groundwork to work with each other and the local authorities.
if this new service starts competing instead of co-operating, that may be a cause for concern.
Lakewood Hatzola captain Bauman, met with Birnhack of Jackson Hatzolah, and advised him to "start your own service".
Now they have the audacity to challenge them?
Eli Beer would have done everything to accommodate them.
Shame again, as Reb Leib Shteinman said, גאוה, גאוה
Egos are the biggest cause of concern.
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