Chaim Atias is one of over 2,000 nationwide volunteers in Ichud (United) Hatzalah. Despite being a “settler”, living in the community of Mitzpei Yericho, he is a celebrity and most welcome figure in the so-called Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City.
His most recent actions have led to a significant Kiddush Hashem as the mainstream media picked up the story of how he saved the life of a Muslim resident, Hayatam, who was in cardiac arrest after being electrocuted near Shar Shechem.
Chaim was the first EMT on the scene and he began CPR and delivered a life-saving shock to the victim, who today is back to himself thanks to Ichud’s quick response.
Israel Channel 10 News shows how the victim and life-saver meet, and just how this frum Jew is a most welcome person in the predominately Arab area of the Old City.
Ichud Hatzalah has succeeded in crossing the ethnic divide in many cases in the past as its volunteers include Arabs; Christians and Muslims as well as Jews of all walks of life. While this may sound like an accepted norm for an emergency medical organization, it is not a given in Israel.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
3 Responses
Kol Hakavod.
Despite being a “settler” —– I would add BECAUSE he is a settler rather than DESPITE.
“so-called Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City”. Since when was that questionable?
What does being a “settler” have to do with anything. He’s a Jew. That’s who we are. It’s wonderful that he made a Kiddush Hashem, but using the term “settler” is unnecessary, though it makes for a good story.