United Hatzalah Marks 20 Years with Star-Studded Jerusalem Event
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
United Hatzalah celebrated its 20th anniversary with a large Sukkot event in Jerusalem featuring Israeli singers and honoring volunteers. A highlight was hostage survivor Bar Kupferstein's appearance, prompting a campaign by the organization's founder to fund 738 defibrillators.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- United Hatzalah celebrated 20 years with a large Sukkot event in Jerusalem.
- The event honored thousands of volunteers and featured major Israeli singers.
- Hostage survivor Bar Kupferstein appeared on stage with his family.
- A campaign was launched to fund 738 defibrillators in his honor.
- The organization has provided medical aid to millions over two decades.
United Hatzalah held its annual Sukkot event at the Sultan's Pool in Jerusalem, celebrating its 20th anniversary and honoring its thousands of volunteers. The event featured performances by prominent Jewish and Israeli singers including Avraham Fried, Yaakov Shwekey, Zusha, Yishai Ribo, and Yair Elitzur.
A particularly moving moment occurred when Bar Kupferstein, who survived 738 days in Hamas captivity, appeared on stage with his family. In response, United Hatzalah President and Founder Eli Beer announced a campaign to raise funds for 738 life-saving defibrillators, one for each day Kupferstein was held hostage.
Beer stated, "Tonight, seeing Bar standing here healthy and whole, we commit to raising 738 defibrillators and restoring heartbeats to countless patients in the most critical emergency moments." He added, "Tonight, we are turning your donations into actual heartbeats."
Kupferstein later performed on stage with Yair Elitzur, sharing a song that reflected his difficult experiences in captivity and expressed hope and gratitude. The annual event serves to powerfully connect singing, holiday joy, and appreciation for United Hatzalah's volunteers, who provide rapid medical response across Israel. This event also marked the beginning of the organization's third decade of service, during which its volunteers have provided medical assistance to millions.
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