An eight-week fundraising campaign has been launched in the Borehamwood and Elstree area to generate the £100,000 required to launch a local branch of the Jewish emergency response service, Hatzola.

Project founder and trustee Richard Kafton explained that the money would fund the training of 15 emergency first responders, other start-up outlay and first year costs. The aim is to have the service up and running for Pesach next year.

Mr Kafton, who has lived in the area for 37 years, said the cross-communal venture was supported by all local shuls, rabbis and lay leaders.

Paramedic and medical directors were already in place.

“We are the fastest-growing community in the UK with lots of Jewish facilities — but no Hatzola,” he pointed out. “People realise that a mature community needs a Hatzola.”

Although Hatzola is on call in nearby Edgware, Mr Kafton said a local team was essential.

“We aim to attend an emergency scene within three minutes. We are getting advice and moral support from the existing Hatzola services [it also operates in Stamford Hill, Hendon, Golders Green, Manchester and Gateshead].

“Although we are starting off in Borehamwood and Elstree, we will hopefully move into Radlett, Shenley and Bushey.”

Mr Kafton, who runs a wealth management company, said flyers and brochures were being distributed locally as part of the fundraising drive.

He estimated that a further £50,000 would be needed annually for running costs.