One year after being seriously wounded by a Hamas terrorist in Sderot on October 7, 2023, United Hatzalah volunteer EMT Rabbi Chaim Sassi returned to active service on Tuesday evening after receiving a custom-made ambucycle designed to accommodate his lingering leg injury sustained from the attack.

In the morning of October 7, Rabbi Sassi, who also serves as the regional rabbi for the organization in Sderot, was shot in the face and the leg by a Hamas sniper after attempting to rescue a badly wounded police officer outside the city’s police station. Despite his injuries, Sassi managed to crawl to safety and bandage his wounds, recording what he believed might be his final message to his family during a harrowing hour-and-a-half wait for rescue.

Following a long rehabilitation, Rabbi Sassi’s determination to resume his lifesaving work led United Hatzalah to commission a unique vehicle tailored to his needs. The custom ambucycle, featuring two front wheels for enhanced stability, allows Sassi to ride safely despite the balance issues caused by his leg injury.

At a ceremony held at Rabbi Sassi’s home in Sderot on Tuesday evening, United Hatzalah Operations Division Director Gilad Salomon and Branch Chief Nehorai Darshan presented him with the specially adapted ambucycle, marking Sassi’s return to active duty.

“From the day I was injured, I had no doubt that as soon as I was able, I would return with full strength to lifesaving activities in Sderot,” said Sassi. 

“I had the privilege of responding and saving lives on one of the most difficult days our nation has faced. Now, my greatest desire is to continue this vital work. I thank the leadership of United Hatzalah, who supported me through the difficult times and ensured I have a specially adapted vehicle to continue saving lives.”

United Hatzalah CEO Prof. Ehud Davidson praised Sassi as “an inspiration to us all, choosing to continue his lifesaving work despite everything.”

Operations Division Director Gilad Salomon, who presented the ambucycle to Rabbi Sassi, remarked, “It is an honor to be here today, marking the anniversary of that tragic event, and to personally hand you this specially adapted ambucycle so you can continue saving lives.”