The year 5781 has brought unprecedented challenges that have affected everyone.

Life as we know it has been shuttered to a halt. Schools shut down, families isolating at home, businesses struggling to survive. Yet during the hardest of times, the volunteers of Hatzolah were there to answer our Community’s call.

Since the onset of COVID, Hatzolah has seen a staggering increase in call volume, more than doubling the number of calls of years past. The members of Hatzolah put the concern for their own wellbeing aside to respond and aid those in need. Day and night, Shabbos and over the Holidays, Hatzolah was there caring for those in some of their worst times.

In response, Hatzolah has been taxed with purchasing thousands of masks, gloves, gowns, coveralls, face shields, and other means of protective equipment (PPE) to keep our members and the community safe. The cost for these supplies, coupled with the ongoing cost of cleaning and disinfecting our ambulances and equipment, has put Hatzolah in a financial strain no one could have anticipated. Yet, despite these hardships, Hatzolah rose above the challenge and answered the call.

As a new year is now upon us, we turn to the community.