After twelve local Rockland Chaverim volunteers dropped everything to fly to Arizona in August to assist in the search for a missing 8-year old boy, New York State Senator Bill Weber felt a celebratory dinner in recognition of their heroics was the least he could do for such altruistic individuals.
“Such a sense of selflessness to drop everything to run to help a family in distress, even if it means traveling hours by plane, is truly admirable,” Senator Weber shared. “It was their drive to succeed that led to them persevering and actually being the ones to locate the boy at the scene. Dedication like these sixteen volunteers displayed is as rare as it is inspiring. I congratulate them on their success, as well as the Chaverim of Rockland organization, which brings respect and commitment to life to a whole new level.”
The group reminisced about the highly charged August 22 search for Tzion Maron at Lava River Caves in Flagstaff, Arizona, during the dinner that took place last night at The Ridge Steakhouse in Monsey. Despite the countless emergency personnel at the scene involved in the search for the boy who went missing during a family trip, it was a Chaveirim member who found the eight-year-old within an hour of joining the search shortly after landing. Thankfully, Tzion was in good condition, and the men were able to fly back home almost before they knew it.
“Chaverim of Rockland’s Search and Rescue team is known as one of the best in the world,” Chaverim of Rockland Coordinator Yossi Margaretten shared. “Our team is called to do search and rescues across the United States. We’re just grateful that this story had a good ending, and also grateful to Senator Bill Weber for his kind gesture, recognizing our team for doing what we do best – being there to assist in a time of need.”