Most places that experience snow have the tools to deal with the situation that is considered normal for every winter. But in Israel, that is not the case. The country is not equipped for snow and - even in a major metropolis like Jerusalem - public transportation stops, most schools, shops and businesses are closed, and things in general grind to a halt.

In preparation for the snowy weather that Jerusalemites experienced this winter, Ezer Mizion set up a Snow Emergency Center that assisted the sick, the elderly and their families. Dozens of ambulance drivers, volunteers and staff manned the center in shifts around the clock and responded to calls for assistance.

Starting with the early morning hours on the first day of snow, hundreds of trips were carried out in six ambulances and seven 4×4 volunteer vehicles to transport patients in need of dialysis and radiation treatments to clinics and hospitals. Transports for members of their hospitalized patients who wished to stay with their loved ones in the hospital were also done.

A special vehicle supplied oxygen tanks to houses of patients that needed oxygen. Medication and heaters were also distributed to those who need, by recommendation of the Jerusalem municipality. In addition, people were also transported to celebrations that could not be deferred, such as a mohel to a bris, and a bride to her wedding. During the two days of operation of the Emergency Snow Center, Ezer Mizion ran a total of nearly 230 ambulance transports and about 110 trips in private vehicles.

Ezer Mizion also reinforced its food distribution system in Jerusalem and delivered close to 2,000 hot meals and sandwiches to hospitals and families where a member was hospitalized. Responding to a request of the Jerusalem Municipal Department of Welfare, hot meals were also distributed to elderly persons who were homebound and alone.

The Activity Clubs fro Special Needs Children that operates in Jerusalem throughout the year was opened at its regular time after requests by parents. The children were brought to the center and returned home by vehicles provided by Ezer Mizion.

The medical and rehab equipment loan center operated on a 24-hour basis and provided equipment to all callers.

Ezer Mizion's Snow Emergency Center summarizes its activity during the snowy days with satisfaction, recalling the many night-time requests for transportation to delivery rooms, to emergency rooms, supply of oxygen tanks, etc. that provided vitally needed assistance when no alternative was available.