New Medical Helicopter Landing Pad Opens in Jerusalem

A new landing pad for medical evacuation helicopters has been established at the Herzog Medical Center in Jerusalem, with an investment of approximately 5 million shekels. The facility, built by the "Hatzalah Air" organization, spans about 5 dunams and is designed to operate helicopters, including a Sikorsky S-76 model.

Alongside the helipad, "Hatzalah Air" has set up its Jerusalem operations center, equipped with infrastructure for operational activities, control, coordination, and staff facilities. The goal is to create a base integrating a helicopter, ground infrastructure, and professional teams in the Jerusalem area. The organization stated that this base could also serve the Beit Shemesh and Lachish regions, the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, Judea and Samaria, and other areas, pending necessary approvals and coordination.

The helipad will be operated by flight crews, medical personnel, and ground and operations teams, in collaboration with Magen David Adom, Brook Aviation, Herzog Medical Center, Hadassah Medical Center, and other entities. The total investment of around 5 million shekels, covering infrastructure, buildings, equipment, and operational readiness, was funded by donors, including David and Judy Agger.

"Hatzalah Air" is a US-based non-profit organization founded in 2018 by American-Jewish philanthropist Eli Rowe. It specializes in medical flights, patient transfers, and rescue missions, having conducted over 1,800 missions in more than 24 countries. The organization utilizes a fleet of medical jets for international operations. "Hatzalah Air" helicopters, in conjunction with Magen David Adom, were involved in evacuating the wounded from the Gaza border area following the October 7th attacks.

Eli Rowe stated that the organization's vision is to provide medical aid globally and that the Jerusalem base, with its partners, will expand their local capabilities in Israel. Dr. Aharon Eldar, Director of "Hatzalah Air" Israel and its Medical Director, added that the new helipad, named 'Lev Ha'aretz' (Heart of the Land), will offer an additional option for critical cases like severe trauma, heart attacks, or strokes, ensuring rapid and professional air transport is available to residents of Jerusalem and surrounding areas.