Thank you for publishing the inspiring article about White Plains City Council President Justin Brasch entitled “The Best Way to Fight Antisemitism? ‘Serve the Larger Community!’” (March 23, 2023) In the article, Brasch said, “Everyone needs to get up and pick and choose the way they want to get involved in the larger community… when we show what we stand for, which is to be sincere and honest and good, people will need to reevaluate their positions.”

In Teaneck and Bergenfield, we are fortunate to have incredible, vibrant, active volunteer ambulance organizations composed of people from all walks of life who come together for a singular purpose: to do what they can to help people on the worst days of their lives. It’s an incredible mission and an even larger opportunity to work side-by-side with people of all faiths and denominations, and to show who we really are.

When I first joined the Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps (TVAC) at age 17, I had almost no experience interacting with people outside of the Jewish faith; however, at TVAC, I was able to work closely with other members of the community – as well as to forge life-long friendships. It’s been almost 20 years since I first hopped on a TVAC rig, and I’m proud to say that in that time the interactions between the diversity of members at TVAC have only grown stronger and more meaningful.

TVAC is an incredible way to accomplish Brasch’s suggestion, and I urge everyone who may be interested in volunteering in this capacity to reach out and see what it’s all about. TVAC welcomes everyone who wants to help, of any gender, race, denomination, or faith. When the bell goes off and a call comes in, everyone’s differences melt away as they focus on the emergency at hand and work together to find a way to make the day a little brighter.

(For more information and if you are interested in being one of the many volunteers from within the community and the surrounding communities, check out our website at www.teaneckambulance.org. We look forward to hearing from you and hope to make you part of our team!)