Many relatives of Sept. 11 victims are marking the anniversary of the terror attacks at ground zero with grief, gratitude and appeals to keep the death toll in mind, even after the passage of 15 years.
Among the heros of 9/11, which included the FDNY, NYPD, PAPD, EMS and other agencies, were the volunteers of Hatzolah.
Chevra Hatzalah played a pivotal role in the World Trade Center rescue operations. The very first ambulance to arrive at the World Trade Center following the first plane crash on September 11, 2001 was a Hatzalah ambulance. By the time the second airplane crashed into the second tower, there were two-dozen Hatzalah ambulances, including Hatzalah’s Communications and Command Center trailer, and more than 100 Hatzalah EMTs, paramedics, and doctors on scene. Before the buildings came down, ambulances had arrived from Hatzalah of Rockland County, 40 miles to the North, with additional medics and EMTs. During the first hour, over 125 patients were transported to area hospitals by Hatzalah ambulances.
At the south end of the Twin Towers, Hatzalah was the predominant ambulance service covering the disaster scene. Hatzalah ambulances transported numerous victims, including fire fighters and police officers.
In addition, Hatzalah assisted in the rescue of thousands of men, women and children, who escaped to the docks near the Holocaust Museum in Battery Park and helped evacuate these people onto boats headed for New Jersey . During the day some volunteers were missing, but, thank G-d, there were few casualties amongst the Hatzalah team – miraculously all Hatzalah members survived.
The following footage was released in 2015 for the first time to the public by YWN.
It is exactly fifteen years ago when that moment in history changed the world for ever. Of course, when it happened, many of us knew we’d never forget that day. Yet time dulls even the most painful memories. It also marks the eights year that 9/11 will be recognized as a National Day of Service and Remembrance, an act signed into legislation by President Obama in April 2009.
Listen below to the frightening radio transmissions of frantic Hatzolah members screaming for help as the World Trade Center collapsed on-top of them. Besides for a few non-life-threatening injuries, not one of the hundreds of members at the scene was killed. Fast forward to 8:00 to hear the collapse of the first tower. The most frightening moment is at 12:20 – when a member tells the dispatcher “tell my wife at least I said Shema.”
have passed bills allowing the victims families to sue the Saudis, except the mamzer Obama intends to veto the bill. Theres no question where he and Hillarys loyalties lie. Its time for big change, Trump will make a big cleanup IY”H, steps towards the Geulah
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Zushie Rimler and all the other Hatzalah members everywhere, for their selfless devotion and dedication to Am Yisroel. I know Zushie contributes countless hours of personal and family time and involves himself for the benefit of his fellow Jew. Yes, till today he is affected by his ordeal beyond the horrific memories, as I am sure is the same for others. We are so fortunate to have these devoted volunteers with their endless true Ahavas Yisroel. May they be blessed with lifetimes of good health and kol tuv bgur, together with… Read more »
Question is, how many if any are the silent victims who have been made sick by the toxins that filled the air that day??
BH for Hatzlah! In z’chus of their incredible work they were all saved!
What a horrific time.
wow 15 years already I can’t believe it we want Moshaich now
Spotted hatzalah members Mendel Meyers and yossi melamed. True brave men
Jj katz was the one that said tell me wife i said shema. Pushet nisim it was