United Hatzalah Helps Prepare as Tensions Rise in Ukraine

PRESS RELEASE

Due to the current tense security situation following rumors of an impending invasion from Russia into Ukraine, United Hatzalah will be strengthening its teams in Kyiv, Uman, and Odesa, in order to provide a continuous medical response in the Jewish communities as the needs arise.

As the situation in Ukraine worsens, consultations have taken place between the management of the United Hatzalah in Israel and other relevant parties to enable the continued provision of medical response to the Jewish communities in Ukraine. At this stage it has been decided that the rescue teams will remain where they are and continue their lifesaving activities as usual.

In the coming days additional lifesaving medical equipment will be sent to prepare the volunteers and communities for any scenario that may arise.

President and founder of United Hatzalah Eli Beer said, "We support the Ukrainian people and the Jewish communities throughout Ukraine and are praying for their well-being. I am happy to announce the dedicated United Hatzalah volunteers who have been volunteering in Ukraine throughout the year will continue their lifesaving activities. We will be constantly monitoring and reassessing the situation. A special shipment of additional medical equipment will arrive in Kyiv in the coming days to help the volunteers prepare for any eventuality. Hopefully they will not need it."

Rabbi Hillel Cohen, director of United Hatzalah in Ukraine said, "In Kyiv, Odesa, and near Rabbi Nachman of Breslav’s tomb in Uman, the volunteers were instructed to continue their activities and keep providing immediate medical response when needed and to raise their level of preparedness in the event the situation escalates. United Hatzalah’s main office in Israel has sent us additional medical equipment so we can properly prepare to assist the Jewish communities and people of Ukraine no matter what happens. At the moment the volunteers will continue as usual and respond to medical emergencies and routine events, as they do all year round, and we pray that nothing more will be needed."