Emergency vehicle tribute to Israeli missile victim defaced
Graffiti daubed across ambucar commemorating Ronit Elimelech in ultra-Orthodox neighbourhood
An emergency response vehicle dedicated to an Israeli volunteer medic killed by an Iranian ballistic missile on day two of the war has been vandalised near where she died.
Ronit Elimelech, an emergency medical technician who volunteered for United Hatzalah, was killed in a massive attack by Iran on Beit Shemesh on 1 March, a day after war broke out with Iran. The 45-year-old single mother left behind three children, who were all injured in the attack, while her mother Sarah also died.
Following the attack United Hatzalah – Israel’s biggest volunteer-based emergency response service – launched a campaign to fundraise for a new lifesaving vehicle and dedicate it in her memory. The bright orange ambucar featured a dedication to Elimelech, who had saved many lives during her time volunteering for the charity, above a drawing of her face.
It was inaugurated in a special ceremony immediately after Elimelech’s family finished sitting shiva and was attended by President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal. According to United Hatzalah, the vehicle was immediately put into action and has since “responded to many emergency call-outs in the entire area”.
But now it has been targeted by vandals in Ramat Beit Shemesh, an ultra-Orthodox neighbourhood of the city and within a couple of miles of where Elimelech was killed.
The volunteer who drives the car had parked in the area for evening prayers, according to the charity. When he came back to it, he found graffiti sprawled across the dedication, including over Elimelech’s face. The vandal, who has not yet been caught, wrote in Hebrew: “Arrogant image.”
The case is currently being investigated by police but the charity suspects it was carried out by Jewish extremists due to the nature of the crime and the area where it happened. Public images of women are strictly forbidden in such religious neighbourhoods, as well as in religious newspapers and magazines.
“Ronit was a symbol of unity and kindness,” Eli Beer, founder and president of United Hatzalah, said on Facebook. “We are deeply shaken by this despicable attack on her memory. This is an extremist act that does not represent the majority of Beit Shemesh residents.
“It is a crossing of a red line that has no place in our society. Ronit dedicated her life to helping and saving others, regardless of religion, race, or gender.”
Although the vehicle is still operational, United Hatzalah has launched another fundraising campaign as a “powerful response to this ugly act of vandalism,” according to Beer. They hope to raise enough money for an 4X4 emergency off-road ATV for difficult terrain in the region.
Etti Bokobza, Elimelech’s sister, told Jewish News: “We, as a family, are deeply angered by the desecration of Ronit’s memory, but we refuse to be consumed by the actions of a small and unworthy few. We call on the authorities to act swiftly and bring those responsible to justice.
“At the same time, we are profoundly comforted by the overwhelming support from United Hatzalah and Eli Beer, whose efforts to honor Ronit’s legacy have strengthened and uplifted our family.”
The Israeli police did not respond to a request for comment.
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