Senator Bill Weber Awarded Naftali Schischa with a Liberty Medal, the Highest Honor Bestowed Upon a Citizen by the New York State Senate for Heroically Saving a Life on a Flight

Monsey, NY: On January 25, on flight 571 from LaGuardia to Fort Lauderdale, a female passenger collapsed in the aisle. Naftali Schischa (pronounced She-sha), an EMT and volunteer with Hatzoloh of Rockland ambulance services, heroically stepped in, offered medical aid, and saved her life. He also prevented the plane from being re-routed, permitting all the passengers to get where they needed to go on schedule.

On Friday March 24th , Senator Bill Weber awarded Naftali Schischa with a Liberty Medal, the highest honor that can be bestowed by a Senator, to recognize Naftali’s heroism at the Hatzoloh of Rockland Headquarters. After the Liberty Medal presentation, Senator Weber and Hatzoloh of Rockland announced a Free CPR Training event to save even more lives.

The New York State Senate Liberty Medal includes a resolution that gets voted on by the entire New York State Senate! Criteria for receiving a Liberty Medal include taking heroic, extraordinary action in service of others, such as law enforcement and first responders acting outside their job duties, above and beyond the call of duty. The Liberty Medal is a 2” diameter medallion accompanied by a presentation card, certificate, and a folder.

“This was not an isolated incident. Members of Hatzoloh are ready to serve anyone in need of emergency care 24/7, 365 days a year in any situation. If they are called upon to save a life mid-flight or while going about their daily lives, they are frequently in the right place at the right time,” said Senator Weber. “My office will be co-hosting a Free CPR training with Hatzoloh of Rockland in the month of May so that even more lives can be saved,” Senator Weber concluded.

Hatzoloh of Rockland CEO Rabbi Yosef Chaim Golding said, “Although our 250 EMTs and paramedics don’t look for accolades, it feels good to be recognized occasionally for their every-day actions. We are proud of every Hatzoloh member, responding to some 15,000 calls – annually -- whether or not there is a photographer there to capture their heroics. Thank you Senator Weber for doing so.”