Israel’s largest independent, non-profit, fully volunteer Emergency Medical Service organization raises $5 million to support lifesaving of people of Israel regardless of race, religion, or national origin
Beverly Hills, CA – (March 1, 2019) – Friends of United Hatzalah of Israel (www.israelrescue.org) raised $5 million at its 1st Annual Los Angeles Gala at the Beverly Hilton. The evening featured Jay Leno, former host of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno who received the Humanitarian Award for his support and work with United. Jay was joined on the red carpet by actor Jon Voight and actress Rona Lee Shimon. The evening included an uplifting performance by Israeli recording artist Dudu Aharon and was hosted by Israeli model Esti Ginzburg.
More than 1,000 people attended the philanthropic event, elected officials, civic figures and community leaders. The evening will paid tribute to the 5,000 volunteers around the country that are the core of United Hatzalah of Israel and the organizations’ capabilities of providing service to an entire country around the clock – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
During the evening the organization raised 100 Ambucycles, medically equipped motorcycles, thanks to a match donation from philanthropist Stewart Rahr. In addition 100 defibrillators were donated and matched by United Hatzalah Chairman Mark Gerson. An additional 50 “Day of Lifesaving” were sponsored by those in attendance, a program introduced by United Hatzalah Board Member Amy Korenvaes. In total $5 million was raised to support the organization’s lifesaving work in Israel.
“This was an incredible evening, the support from the Los Angeles community at our first ever gala is going to help us provide fast and free emergency medical response across Israel,” said President and Founder of United Hatzalah of Israel, Eli Beer. “The community in LA really came out to show their support for the lifesaving work that we do in Israel, and to raise $5 million at a first event is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Thanks to these funds raised, including 100 Ambucycles, we will be able to continue providing the fastest completely free emergency medical first response across Israel.”
“I’m so honored to be traveling around the world and seeing so many new people come together from different paths to save lives in Israel, said Ami Pomeranc, International Gala Chairman of United Hatzalah. The Gala was co-chaired by Dina Aspen, and included Israel Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Eitan Weiss.
United Hatzalah is the largest independent, non-profit, fully volunteer Emergency Medical Service organization that provides the fastest and free emergency medical first response throughout Israel. United Hatzalah’s service is available to all people regardless of race, religion, or national origin. With the help of our unique GPS technology and our iconic ambucycles, the average response time is less than 3 minutes across the country and 90 seconds in metropolitan areas.
About Jay Leno:
Mr. Leno’s position as one of television’s most significant entertainers has continue with the high ratings and awards achieved by his CNBC series, “Jay Leno’s Garage” just starting its fifth season.