By COLlive reporter
Remember the lists of numbers on the Jewish-manufactured breakfast cereal boxes to call in case of emergency? Now there’s a single number to memorize: 1-888-9911-613.
The number reaches an automated hotline that asks the caller to identify the city where help is needed, and then which Jewish volunteer organization to be connected with.
Its creators, identified as an independent organization called OneCall, said the hotline currently reaches every chapter of Hatzalah (medical emergencies) and Chaverim (non-medical emergencies at home or on the road) in North America.
While they didn’t provide a full list of the locations they connect to, an email from OneCall said: “Searching for a city can be done via voice. For now, we are sticking to city names, such as Los Angeles or Boca Raton, as opposed to La Brea or The Circle. As our searching and matching algorithm is enhanced, there will be more ways to find your location.”
For New York City, specific neighborhoods can be requested, such as Flatbush or Crown Heights. “We also support many area aliases. For example, Passaic or Clifton return the same entry,” they said.
“OneCall strongly encourages everyone to memorize their local emergency numbers,” they wrote in an email to COLlive.com. “This beta service seeks to fill the gap for those who need to call and do not have time to search for a local number.
“OneCall absolutely is very much in favor of utilizing your local organization numbers, and provides a service to complement the existing individual hotlines.”
They said that individual chapters of Chaverim and Hatzalah that have been in touch with OneCall “only had supportive feedback,” and that they plan on connecting additional community support organizations, such as Shomrim, Shmira, Chevra Kadisha, and more.
They said a single number to remember can be an “invaluable resource [that] is a literal lifesaver for the tourist or resident alike,” since visitors to Jewish communities in New York may not be familiar with each local number.
For more information, visit OneCall.one
B”H
Thank you One Call for arranging this.
Of course,,may Moshiach come now and there be no need.
If it so happens that you need to call hatzoloh, call them directly and their operator will direct you further. I get that one number is helpful for travel though
yes iyh should be never used! but which Citys is supported?