“Hi Eli, This is Yossi Bar from Tzohar HaLev (an organization that helps children with special needs) in the town of Rechasim. I need a moment of your time to discuss today’s incident in Rechasim. It’s crucial I share this with you.”
Eli Pollak, Deputy CEO of United Hatzalah, gripped the phone a bit tighter upon receiving this unexpected call. “Go ahead, I’m listening,” he responded, his voice tinged with concern.
“At our special needs kindergarten, a staff member suffered a heart attack and tragically passed away in the middle of the kindergarten,” said Bar. “I must confess, this was my first close encounter with United Hatzalah’s work and I was amazed. Hours after the crisis, I feel compelled to share my observations.”
Bar paused briefly before continuing, “As a citizen of this country, I was unaware of United Hatzalah’s Psychotrauma and Crisis Response Unit (PCRU). Their presence was invaluable.”
Bar described the scene: “A social worker and an educator arrived. The entire staff witnessed the resuscitation attempt, and they were all profoundly shaken. On top of this, we had to supervise the children. Between the medics and the PCRU members, there were about ten volunteers present in the kindergarten. Each one was helpful and efficient. Everyone knew their role and executed it flawlessly. I stood there, utterly amazed.”
His voice filled with emotion as he continued, “Words fail to convey how moved I was by these volunteers. They dedicated their precious time, managing the situation in a way I didn’t think was possible.”
“I told Naftali Rottenberg, United Hatzalah’s Carmel region head, that we can’t let this go unacknowledged. We can’t return to routine and take this for granted. This level of service deserves recognition and appreciation. The impact is so profound it’s hard to articulate.”
Bar concluded, “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to every volunteer present and to you, the organization’s leadership. What I witnessed today was nothing short of extraordinary.”
Pollak, deeply moved by Bar’s account, responded: “First and foremost, my heart goes out to everyone affected by this tragic incident,” he said. “However, I’m truly touched by your words about our team’s response.”
Pollak went on to explain the purpose behind the PCRU. “We established the Psychotrauma and Crisis Response Unit precisely for situations like these. It’s incredibly affirming to receive such positive feedback from the field about its effectiveness.”
“United Hatzalah was founded in order to do good. Hearing accounts like yours not only validates our efforts but also strengthens our resolve to continue this vital work.”
