Toms River, NJ (VINnews) — A man involved in a motor vehicle crash in Toms River allegedly refused medical assistance from Orthodox Jewish first responders, telling them he wanted “real 911” and did not want “your kind touching me,” according to Hatzolah volunteer Booky Kaluszyner.

Kaluszyner described the incident in a public social media post, saying neither vehicle involved in the crash belonged to an Orthodox Jewish person.

After the man allegedly rejected assistance from multiple Orthodox Jewish responders, emergency personnel continued assessing the situation and requested paramedics, Kaluszyner said. He added that the paramedics who arrived were also Hasidic Jews, with beards and payos, or traditional sidelocks.

The patient was eventually transported to a hospital, where, according to Kaluszyner, the nurse assigned to his care was also Orthodox Jewish.

Kaluszyner criticized what he described as the effects of religious hatred, questioning how someone could refuse potentially urgent medical assistance because of a responder’s religious background.

The post drew attention and prompted discussion online, including comparisons between Hatzolah and other emergency services in Toms River.

In a follow-up post, Kaluszyner clarified that his intention was to highlight how prejudice can lead someone to refuse medical care, not to diminish or discredit the work of local emergency responders.

“I have had the privilege of working alongside many of these dedicated individuals, and I can tell you firsthand that Toms River has some phenomenal emergency responders,” he wrote.

Kaluszyner praised local police officers, volunteer firefighters, EMS personnel, community service officers, paramedics, dispatchers and other volunteers, emphasizing that all share the same responsibility to help people in need.

“When someone calls for help, nobody cares who gets the credit. The only thing that matters is getting that person the help they need,” he wrote.

He added that emergency responders do not ask about a patient’s religion, political views or personal beliefs before providing assistance.

Kaluszyner concluded by thanking all emergency personnel serving Toms River, saying those who respond during people’s most difficult moments deserve appreciation and respect, whether they serve with Hatzolah or another emergency service.

The patient’s identity and medical condition were not disclosed, and the account of the incident could not be independently verified.