At a huge event held on Monday at the 'Arena' hall in Jerusalem, the United Rescue Organization celebrated 10 years since its founding and 30 years of the activity of rescue organization volunteers in Israel.
Over a dozen participants, led by Ihud Hatzalah volunteers - medics, paramedics and doctors - along with their families, came from all over the country. The event was graced with the presence of Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat and the Chief Rabbi of Israel and Rabbi of Tel Aviv, Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau.
President Reuven Rivlin sent a photo greeting for the evening, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a congratulatory letter that was read from the stage of the event.
At the climax of the event, which was entirely produced by Michael Kaflin Productions, singer Avraham Fried took the stage for an electrifying performance, which included his best hits.
Fried also hosted singer Yishai Rivo and renowned musical bands on stage, who swept the audience away and lifted them off the ground.
Chief of Staff Lau gave opening remarks: "Actions are something that often involve self-sacrifice. When we talk about free love, the practical example is United Hatzalah. The volunteers do not expect anything in return, they do not even expect gratitude from someone they do not know. I wish you abundant health, abundant satisfaction in your actions.".
United Hatzala CEO Moshe Teitelbaum read Prime Minister Netanyahu's letter to thousands of celebrants: "United Hatzala members are among the first to arrive at the scenes of terrorist attacks, car accidents and other incidents, dressed in orange vests and with them the best medical equipment. In emergency medicine, the professional care provided in the first minutes is of enormous importance, and in many cases it is the difference between life and death.".
Netanyahu added and wrote: "Recognizing the importance of the organization led my government to recognize the 'United Hatzalah' as an official medical body for saving lives. It deserves full recognition for being an expression of the depth of mutual responsibility among us. On behalf of all the citizens of Israel, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your spirit of volunteerism, dedication and mission. Rise up and succeed.".
President Reuven Rivlin sent a photo greeting to the volunteers: "Like the rest of the citizens of Israel, I see the volunteers of United Hatzalah ready to respond at any hour and in any moment of the day. In times of crisis and conflict. In times of calm. After all, we all know very well, unfortunately, that accidents can happen and terrorism can always strike. The waves of terror that have befallen us in recent decades have shaken Israeli society as a whole. Within them, and in the heart of the storm, the activity of the United Hatzalah teams was clearly evident. Over the years, United Hatzalah has become a household name. A model of professionalism. A standard for quality and development.".
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat opened his speech with personal testimony and an experience he had twice in real time, saving the lives of United Hatzalah volunteers with dedication and efficiency in the field.
""I thought I'd tell you two personal experiences of mine. The first incident happened about a decade ago. On the way to the Bell Garden, I saw a bus in front of me that exploded. In the first seconds, there was complete silence. I got on the bus and started rescuing the wounded, and to be honest, the first people who arrived with me and started treating were members of United Hatzalah.".
Barkat added that about a year ago, he and his security guards overpowered a terrorist who stabbed a man near the Old City, and within minutes, United Hatzalah volunteers arrived to treat the wounded man.
Barkat thanked the volunteers "who are in the field and always cooperate. You have won my heart and are a symbol and example of social unity and mission in the people of Israel," Barkat said, emphasizing the Jerusalem Municipality's commitment to participating in the organization's activities at this event and in general throughout the year.
United Hatzalah President Eli Beer said: "This is an exciting day for me as everyone gathers together to celebrate the ten years of unity of United Hatzalah and 30 years of rescue activity in Israel. United Hatzalah has made a real revolution in saving lives.
""I am happy that in Israel and around the world, we are being taken as an example of how to save lives, and all of this is only thanks to our wonderful volunteers. I am very proud of this organization, which first and foremost saves lives and does so professionally and quickly. Whoever saves one life, it is as if there is a whole world.".
At the end of Bir's speech, his fellow members of the United Hatzalah leadership took the stage and presented him with a special certificate of appreciation bearing the number 1,974,825, symbolizing the number of people who owe gratitude to United Hatzalah volunteers. Almost two million people have been treated and saved thanks to United Hatzalah's activities since the organization was founded.
United Hatzala Chairman Rabbi Ze'ev Keshash, the organization's CEO Moshe Teitelbaum, IsraelLife Foundation CEO Eli Pollak, and United Hatzala Deputy CEO Lazer Heyman presented Bir with the award for his life's work.
Ihud Hatzalah Chairman, Rabbi Ze'ev Keshash, chose to dedicate his speech to the volunteers who are the heart of the organization, not before thanking the Ihud Hatzalah rabbis, the geniuses who chart the course and dedicate their days and nights to the daily halakhic aspect of the organization.
""I want to thank the branch heads who, together with their deputies and team leaders, give their lives every day, hour by hour, for you and for the organization, openly and secretly, and take care of all the needs of the volunteers. I want to thank the dear volunteer women who enable you to dedicate all of yourselves to saving human lives. And last but not least, to you, the thousands of volunteers, the Orange Angels, and to all your families.".
צילומים: אהרן קרהאן. מנחם לף. ישראל ברדוגו. מאיר לביא [גלריה]
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