One year after being seriously wounded by a Hamas terrorist in Sderot on Oct. 7, United Hatzalah volunteer emergency medic Rabbi Chaim Sassi returned to active service on Tuesday after receiving a custom-made “ambucycle” designed to accommodate his lingering leg injury.
On the morning of Oct. 7, Sassi, who also serves as the regional rabbi for the organization in Sderot, was shot in the face and the leg by a Hamas sniper after attempting to rescue a badly wounded police officer outside the city’s police station. Despite his injuries, he managed to crawl to safety and bandage his wounds, recording what he believed might be his final message to his family during a harrowing hour-and-a-half wait for rescue.
Following a long rehabilitation, Sassi’s determination to resume his work prompted United Hatzalah to commission a unique vehicle tailored to his needs. The ambucycle, featuring two front wheels for enhanced stability, allows Sassi to ride safely despite the balance issues caused by his leg injury.
At a ceremony held at Rabbi Sassi’s home in Sderot on Tuesday evening, he was presented with the vehicle.
“From the day I was injured, I had no doubt that as soon as I was able, I would return with full strength to life-saving activities in Sderot,” said Sassi.
“I had the privilege of responding and saving lives on one of the most difficult days our nation has faced. Now, my greatest desire is to continue this vital work. I thank the leadership of United Hatzalah, who supported me through the difficult times,” he added.
United Hatzalah CEO, professor Ehud Davidson, praised Sassi as “an inspiration to us all, choosing to continue his life-saving work despite everything.”
