One of the most admirable reactions to the recent Israeli/Hamas conflict was the widespread, generous and enthusiastic response in the Middlesex County Jewish community to the drive to purchase two ambucycles for United Hatzalah in Israel.
The catalyst for this heartwarming initiative was Susan Wiesel of Edison, whose extended family had recently donated an ambulance to United Hatzalah. She understood the “unbelievable feeling of helping to save lives in Israel” and, when the conflict started, thought that a community initiative to raise money for an ambucycle could both spread that feeling and help bring the community together at a tense time.
The true champions of the initiative were the shul rabbis and heads of school of the local yeshivot. All of them, upon hearing of the initiative, warmly and actively supported it. Each institution sent emails to its members, strongly urging them to participate in the initiative. The rabbis, heads of schools, presidents of the institutions, and designated staff members made the campaign a high visibility effort in their respective organizations.
With no paid advertising, no press coverage (until now), and in not much time, the campaign has been remarkably successful. Initially launched as a drive to raise $36,000 for one ambucycle, that goal was met and exceeded in one short week (from the Friday before Shavuot to the following Friday). The organizers decided to expand the goal to two ambucycles and are well on their way to meet that goal. As of this writing, over 350 families and individuals have contributed to the campaign.
“It is inspiring and uplifting to see the Jewish community come together and support one another,” said Miriam Tennenbaum, New Jersey regional director for Friends of United Hatzalah.”We are thankful for the Highland Park/Edison community for raising the funds for these two lifesaving ambucycles. This is a true lifesaving partnership between our United Hatzalah volunteers and the people of Highland Park/Edison.”
Wiesel added that she was inspired by the vision and drive of United Hatzalah founder and director Eli Beer, who came up with the idea of the ambucycles. She says that “any community can do this,” and urges others to bring community members together by supporting the purchase of medical transportation or equipment for United Hatzalah in Israel.
For more information on how to support United Hatzalah, please contact Tennenbaum at [email protected].
By Harry Glazer
