Rockland Hatzoloh formally sent a letter to Congressman Mike Lawler expressing strong support for designating 2026 as the “National Year of the Volunteer” — even before the resolution was publicly announced.

The January 7, 2026 letter, authored by Eliezer Mayerowitz, Chief Operating Officer of Hatzoloh EMS of Rockland, thanked Congressman Lawler for his leadership in recognizing the essential role volunteers play in strengthening communities and protecting lives across the nation.

In the letter, Hatzoloh highlighted the core Jewish value of pikuach nefesh — the obligation to preserve human life — noting that its volunteer members respond around the clock, often leaving their families and livelihoods without hesitation to provide lifesaving emergency medical care.

“As a fully volunteer emergency medical service, Hatzoloh exemplifies the spirit your resolution seeks to honor,” the letter states, while also acknowledging the growing challenges volunteer EMS and fire organizations face nationwide, particularly in recruitment and retention.

The correspondence commended Congressman Lawler for advancing the resolution and urged its adoption, emphasizing that formally recognizing volunteers at the national level would send a strong and lasting message of gratitude to those who serve quietly and selflessly every day.

Designating 2026 — which marks America’s 250th anniversary — as the National Year of the Volunteer would provide an opportunity to renew a shared national commitment to service, unity, and civic responsibility.

Rockland Hatzoloh’s early show of support underscores the organization’s longstanding commitment to volunteerism and public safety throughout Rockland County.