Ten Advanced Defibrillators Installed at Major Torah Centers in Bnei Brak

United Hatzalah has installed 10 advanced defibrillators and protective cabinets at major Torah and prayer sites in Bnei Brak, aiming to save precious response time in medical emergencies. The devices were placed in places used by tens of thousands of students and worshippers, including prominent yeshivas and synagogues across the city.

The donation came through Bnei Brak branch president Rabbi Mordechai Barzilai, a close friend of Dr. Michael Bonzel. Bonzel had consulted Rabbi Yitzchak Zilberstein about how to use charity and maaser funds and how best to memorialize his father, and received a clear ruling that this was “more important than all charity.”

The installations were completed at sites including Ponevezh Yeshiva, Slabodka Yeshiva, Atteret Shlomo Yeshiva, Orchos Torah Yeshiva, the Great Synagogue in the city center, the PAI Chisda synagogue, Or Hatzafon synagogue in Kiryat Herzog, the new central synagogue in Kiryat Sefarim in the north, Heichal HaKodesh Sadegurah, and Maaleh HaYeshiva in Givat Rokach in the west of the city. At a ceremony with United Hatzalah volunteers and leadership, Bonzel received a formal certificate of appreciation and photos of the installed cabinets.

The event was attended by former Health Minister Urial Buso, who also volunteers with United Hatzalah. Barzilai praised Bonzel’s “pure heart” and said dedicating the devices to his father’s memory showed a lasting bond with Torah and kindness. Rabbi Sinai Halberstam, the branch rabbi, said this charity reflects the value of saving lives and blessed Bonzel with health and success.

Bonzel thanked God, said placing defibrillators in Torah halls has already proven lifesaving, and noted that every moment matters in emergencies. He also said Rabbi Zilberstein told him the donation was the “best of all charities,” and added that he had heard similar encouragement from the Gerrer Rebbe. Afterward, United Hatzalah branch head Efi Feldman called the new stations a major boost to the city’s emergency system and said Bonzel has already begun working to fund more defibrillators so no major Torah or prayer site in the city will be left without one.