Hatzalah Co-Founder Rabbi David Grunwald Dies After Battling Illness

Rabbi David Yehuda (Duki) Grunwald, a co-founder of the Hatzalah emergency medical service in Israel, has passed away after a prolonged illness. Grunwald dedicated decades to public service and was instrumental in establishing the emergency medical response system within the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community.

Member of Knesset Meir Porush, who knew Grunwald personally, eulogized him as a tireless advocate for saving lives, working around the clock with immense devotion. Porush stated that Grunwald was a constant source of help and assistance for anyone in pain or distress in Jerusalem and beyond, establishing systems that saved numerous lives with a warm demeanor and profound love for the Jewish people.

Porush also highlighted Grunwald's personal struggles, including the death of his wife and his own recent battle with a severe illness. He noted that Grunwald faced these hardships with exceptional strength, faith, and love, serving as an inspiration.

A Hatzalah team in Jerusalem held a guard of honor at his funeral.