(Click HERE for photos) New York State Senator Eric Adams (D, Brooklyn) and other elected officials held a press conference with leaders of the Williamsburg Jewish community to recognize and honor Williamsburg Hatzolah and the volunteers of Williamsburg Shomrim.
Senator Adams stated: “It is my great pleasure to pay homage to two superlative volunteer groups, Williamsburg Hatzolah and Williamsburg Shomrim. In the Hebrew language, Hatzolah means rescue, and this is a particularly appropriate name for an organization known throughout the State of New York for its swift response to medical emergencies. For more than 35 years, Hatzolah volunteers have saved lives by making emergency medical calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, leaving their regular jobs or postponing family obligations to tend to those in medical crisis. The benevolence of this enterprise is underlined by the fact that the activities are funded by community charitable endeavors and provided at no cost to individual patients. Shomrim is Hebrew for guardians, and the individuals who comprise the volunteer civilian safety patrols are true stewards of their community, serving as vigilant eyes and ears for the residents and working in conjunction with NYPD to promote a secure neighborhood environment. The Shomrim risk their own security in their valiant effort to protect their fellow citizens. I hold the members of both Hatzolah and Shomrim in the highest esteem.”
Also speaking at the conference was NYC Comptroller, Bill Thopson, NYS Assemblyman Dov Hikind, Police Chiefs, and various other officials.
Awards were given to the three coordinators of Williamsburg Shomrim, Solomon Feldman, Shraga Schapira, and Jacob Itzkowitz – for their extreme devotion to ensuring the safety of the streets & residents in Williamsburg; and awards were given to the three coordinators of Williamsburg Hatzolah, Sruly Weingarten, Yom-Tov Malik, Shaya Bernath – for their tireless efforts of behalf of the residents of Williamsburg.
Additionally, an award was given to Abe Friedman – an individual who is a resident in the Williamsburg community – but who also is Senator Adam’s chief adviser. “He is an individual who works tirelessly – not only on behalf of the Williamsburg community – but for every person he can help, Senator Adams told YWN.”
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One Response
And why wasn’t chaveirim honored as well?? They cover more calls in Williamsburg than Hatzoloh and Shomrim combined, yet get absolutely no recognition. I think its time that as a community we start giving them real recognition as well.