This week, United Hatzalah received the Jerusalem Prize for excellence in lifesaving. The Director of United Hatzalah, Moshe Teitelbaum received the award in honor of the 3,200 volunteer EMTs, paramedics, and doctors, who work with the organization. The award was presented by Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan.

Among the explanations given by the judges with regards to why United Hatzalah was selected for the prestigious award, the Judges wrote: “United Hatzalah is receiving this prize due to the activation and operation of its volunteers and providing first response emergency medical treatment in the first few minutes after an emergency occurs before the arrival of an ambulance.”

United Hatzalah President and Founder Eli Beer welcomed the prize and the recognition of the efforts of the volunteers. “This prize was given to us due to our volunteers. It is they who deserve it for their hard work and dedication to saving lives across Israel. They leave their beds, homes, workplaces, family and friends, in order to answer the call of others and save the lives of those who need it most in their communities. Our volunteers work tirelessly, often long into the night, in order to provide fast and professional emergency response in under three minutes. May Israel be blessed with more people like our volunteers.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)