By Aryeh Savir/TPS • 2 June, 2019

Israeli medics volunteering with the United Hatzalah emergency medicine organizations have been stationed in recent weeks at vital entry points into Jerusalem to provide immediate medical care to Muslim worshippers on their way to pray on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem during the Muslim month of Ramadan.

During the recent hot days during Ramadan, United Hatzalah volunteer EMTs have joined Israeli security forces and have been present on site to provide care for Arabs passing through the Qalandia checkpoint in northern Jerusalem, and the 300 Crossing by Rachel’s Tomb near Bethlehem in the south of the city.

The project was initiated by the police in an effort to have a fully trained and equipped medical responder on hand at the checkpoint following the heat wave the country has been experiencing in the past weeks.

The Israeli volunteers have treated several Muslims suffering from the heat or from weakness caused by the ritual fast. This past Friday, the ailments included an asthma attack, high blood pressure, dehydration, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

Vice President of Operations for United Hatzalah Dov Maisel said that just before Ramadan, United Hatzalah volunteers had responded to a cardiac arrest case at the 300 Crossing and it was at this point that the Military Police asked whether the organization could send volunteers to be stationed at the crossings on a permanent basis during Ramadan and especially during the peak hours on Fridays, the holiest day of the week for Muslims.

“We were more than happy to help in this matter. Helping people stay safe and providing initial medical response is what United Hatzalah is all about. This is our mission and our volunteers were more than happy to jump at the chance to help with this important matter of safeguarding the lives of those who want to enter the city during their holiday,” Maisel concluded.