Jewish Life Digital Edition September 2015

SERIES Unsung Heroes Shining the spotlight on those behind the scenes It’s amazing to hear people’s stories about why they do the things they do, especially when they’re in the business of being heroes. And even more so when these heroic acts are, often, done behind the scenes, saving lives and helping others in ways you would never know until, G-d forbid, you yourself need them. I met some of our Hatzolah heroes to ask them how they do it… Justin Gillman I was motivated to join Hatzolah after I witnessed a child fall and mangle his ankle at camp when I was a madrich. I felt so helpless and unequipped to deal with the situation – I decided there and then that I needed to learn how to help people when they were in distress, and so I applied to join Hatzolah. We were taught the latest in emergency medicine, with 18 JEWISH LIFE n ISSUE 88 the latest and best equipment. The course was gruelling, as it demanded a lot of our time and energy, but we had an amazing instructor and the whole Hatzolah team was there to support and nurture us. We learned early on in our course that Hatzolah holds itself to a very high standard, so our training was to the very highest level. Since I’ve just qualified, I have seen how much the volunteer responders give of their time, and how they actively serve a vital part in our community. I’m very excited to be a part of the Hatzolah family. I know now first-hand that Hatzolah is there for any Jew who needs its services, no matter the circumstances, and it’s a privilege to help save a Jewish life. I have realised that our bodies are just temporary vessels carrying our neshamot, and sometimes we get so caught up in our day-to-day lives, worrying about unimportant and material matters. Yet, in one second, your whole life can change, and it’s then that you realise what is really important in life. I have also learned that even though our body may just be a vessel – G-d only gave us one – it’s our responsibility to look after it. I don’t I have realised that our bodies are just temporary vessels carrying our nesham ot, and sometimes we get so caught up in our day-to-day lives, worrying about unimportant and material matters. Yet, in one second, your whole life can change, and it’s then that you realise what is really important in life. Justin Gillman STRAP: BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM; Photograph: ILAN OSSENDRYVER; PORTRAITS:SUPPLIED this month: Paramedics from Hatzol ah by Chandrea Serebro

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