By COLlive reporter
Heightened security at shuls across New York this past weekend caused a disruption to the work of Hatzalah, the Jewish ambulance volunteer service.
But the head of the Crown Heights Hatzalah Yingy Bistritzky says that false reports of the incident were spread by individuals looking to discredit police work.
After a black pedestrian was struck in Crown Heights on Sunday, one of the Hatzalah volunteers drove up Kingston Avenue to retrieve the ambulance parked near 770 Eastern Parkway.
Being in a hurry, the volunteer made a left on the Parkway, briefly driving against traffic, Bistritzky told COLlive.com.
A nearby police officer, stationed there as part of new security measures around shuls, questioned the man about his driving, and was notified about the emergency.
But the cop said they were on high alert due to explosives sent to shuls in Chicago and that he cannot allow any disturbances without the permission of his superiors.
After the volunteer parked properly, he was allowed to drive the ambulance to the location of the crash.
“Those cops placed near 770 were from the 70th Police Precinct and not the local 71st Precinct in Crown Heights,” explained Bistritzky, who is on good terms with the NYPD. “They were just doing their jobs.”
Brooklyn South Police Chief Joseph Fox, in command of the 70th Pct. was called.
Fox said he’ll take steps to correct the problem and the officers will be disciplined, as they are from the Boro Park and Flatbush area and should be aware of Hatzalah’s activities.
In response to rumors about the police lack of understanding, Bistritzky says you can’t ‘have your cake and eat it too.’
“The police were actually there for a security watch in response to the recent terror threat on shuls, and we should be thankful for that.”
yingy is a tzadik. and all those that are bored should go get a job…..itll be good for you. moshiach NOW!
Yingy,
Thank you for the statement and understanding. Its important to put things in perspective. You are and always was amazing. Thank yuou for the years you served the Rebbe.
I always remember those times.
MD (s)
Thanks Yingy and COLlive for exposing the truth about the few corrupt individuals who are always making problems and instigating trouble in the community.
Kol hakavod for standing up
Thanks for telling the truth! Not like others that tell lies, hate and venom.
Thank u
Thank you Reb Yingi for all the work you do for Hatzalah and the Chabad community at large !
I am sure that a head line that reads, “Police Stop Hatzalah” would indeed generate loots of noise. Thanks you for clearing up the story.
Unfortunately there are individuals who will do anything to advance their own perverted agenda, while risking the security of us all.
The NYPD guy is a jerk. What if they were rushing to save a life? It’s not rocket science to know that ambulances are frequently dispatched for critical situations, and if this cop doesn’t have basic common sense, he has no business being in that position. Period!
what do they do for you every day? except giving tickets and coming after the crime has taken place!!! i am still waiting to read a article on COL where a officer prevented a crime in CH!!
What’s the connection between an explosives threat and which direction the hatzoloh guy’s car is facing?
Thank u for clearing things up and thank u NYPD for the great job u guys do for us every day!!
What’s the connection with having to turn around and park facing the correct direction and security?
The hatzolah member had originally pulled up right in front of the ambulance and parked in the quickest fashion meaning he was the wrong way. After being spoken to by the policeman he then did a u-turn and parked in the correct direction. Now, how does that help security?
Yingy, you are one of the finest gentlemen Crown Heights has.
G-d bless you and your family.
The guy that mimics you with the thumb on the forehead.
the cop was an idiot. u dont stall a paramedic. but yes we are thankful for the security they do provide