Chavivim Melbourne unveils first response vehicle

Chavivim Melbourne recently unveiled its first community response vehicle at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Cheder Levi Yitzchok in St Kilda.

The volunteer organisation provides free assistance for non-medical emergencies and practical situations, including vehicle and home lockouts, flat tyres, roadside breakdowns, flooding and safety incidents.

The vehicle was sponsored by the Yosef Moshe Fogal family, with members of the local community funding its specialised equipment. It will also be used for the organisation’s Shabbat and Yom Tov patrols in Melbourne’s Jewish community.

Guests at the event included Caulfield MP David Southwick, Glen Eira mayor Simone Zmood, JCCV president Philip Zajac, Victoria Police officers, SES representatives and leaders of community and not-for-profit organisations.

Chavivim began in Brooklyn, New York, as a WhatsApp group of volunteers helping local community members. According to the organisation, it now operates in 13 locations with more than 750 volunteers worldwide.

Chavivim Melbourne co-founder Solomon Gluck volunteered with Chavivim in New York for more than five years before moving to Melbourne in 2024.

More than 25 people expressed interest in volunteering, and the Melbourne branch began operating in January 2026. Volunteers responded to more than 500 calls in its first six months, and the organisation now receives about 15 to 30 calls a week.

Recent call-outs included a person trapped inside a bathroom at a local bank, and a mother and young child who had run out of petrol.

At the event, Gluck welcomed guests and thanked volunteers, their families, supporters and community partners.

Volunteer Moshe Freidenberger spoke about his experiences responding to calls, including a Saturday night call involving a young child locked inside a bathroom. Freidenberger said he arrived within minutes and opened the door.

Benjamin Klein, representing the Adass community, spoke about the importance of visible deterrence and a clearly marked patrol presence within the Orthodox Jewish community. He also spoke about local volunteers working alongside police and emergency services.

Southwick recognised the contribution of volunteers and community organisations. He said the vehicle showed that a community that comes together and supports one another during difficult times can grow, remain strong and thrive.

Chavivim says it does not seek to replace Victoria Police, the SES, ambulance services or other established organisations, but to provide additional local volunteer assistance alongside the authorities.