An arson attack this weekend on a vehicle belonging to an emergency medical first responder has destroyed thousands of dollars’ worth of essential medical equipment.
A car belonging United Hatzalah volunteer Dr. Yishai Ben Uri was one of the six Jewish-owned vehicles set ablaze at around 5 am Saturday on Derech Shiloh Street in Jerusalem’s Silwan (Shiloach) neighborhood, home to the City of David and located close to the Temple Mount.
Police increased the presence of forces in the area in response.
Not only was the doctor’s car destroyed, but the arsonist also destroyed essential medical equipment used on a regular basis when Dr. Ben Uri responded to emergencies — and saved lives.
An Arab resident of Jerusalem was arrested Saturday evening in connection with the arson, which is under investigation by the Jerusalem District Attorney’s office.
Among the pieces of equipment left in ashes was a cardiac monitor worth thousands of dollars that was donated by United Hatzalah supporters.
“We were deeply saddened to hear that the car of our dear volunteer Dr. Yishai Ben Uri was set ablaze,” said United Hatzalah Founder and President Eli Beer.
“Dr. Ben Uri responds to medical emergencies on a fully voluntary basis and many people owe him their lives. His lifesaving activities, like all United Hatzalah activities, are possible thanks to equipment donated by our friends in Israel and around the world.”
Beer added that in the coming days, the organization will work “to raise the funds to supply Dr. Ben Uri with new medical equipment.”
