Paramedic Saves Man From Cardiac Arrest During Prayer in Kiryat Malachi, Later Reunited at Wedding

A dramatic incident unfolded about six weeks ago in a synagogue in Kiryat Malachi when Roni Nakash suddenly collapsed during prayer due to cardiac arrest. At the same time, volunteer paramedic Alandiv Tam was praying in the same synagogue. Security footage shows Tam immediately rushing to Nakash, calling emergency services via his radio, and beginning CPR while using a defibrillator from United Hatzalah. Additional volunteers arrived shortly after to assist, and Nakash’s heart was successfully restarted. He regained full consciousness and was taken to the hospital in stable condition.

The quick response and use of the defibrillator were critical in saving Nakash’s life. The story continued last week when Nakash surprised Tam by attending his son’s wedding, healthy and standing, to personally thank the paramedic who saved him. The emotional reunion highlighted the profound impact of emergency responders’ swift actions and the human lives behind every rescue.

United Hatzalah spokesperson Avi from the Lachish region emphasized the importance of being in the right place at the right time, noting that sometimes that difference means life or death. The synagogue’s security camera footage capturing the rescue was shared with permission, illustrating the critical moments of the life-saving intervention.