[Click HERE for photos] Over 500 Hatzolah Israel volunteers were honored last night at Hatzolah Israel’s annual Chanukah event. The gathering took place at the Havat Da’at Catering Hall in Jerusalem, under the auspices of Bank HaPo’alim, with dignified Rabbonim including Rabbi Chaim Yehuda Cohen, Hatzolah Israel’s respected spiritual leader and HaGaon Rabbi Asher Weiss, noted Rabbi and speaker. In addition, Knesset member Rabbi Ya’akov Litzman and City Council members Uri Maklev, Shlomo Rosenstien and Yossi Deitch took part in the event – along with senior Magen David Adom executives; including MDA’s CEO Mr. Eli Bin, district manager Mr. Zvika Shir, national volunteers’ coordinator Mr. Dudi Eagle, and Jerusalem volunteers’ coordinator Mr. Avi Hovev. Also in attendance were Rabbi Duki Greenwald, Hatzolah Israel’s general director and Mr. Chaim Friedman, manager of Hatzolah Israel.

The evening began with an emotional presentation by Bentzi, whose life was saved by Hatzolah Israel volunteers.  Eight years ago, when Bentzi was two years old, he fell off the upper bed of his bunk bed and lost consciousness.  As he lit the Chanukia at last night’s event, Bentzi was overcome with emotion as he recalled how he was resuscitated by Hatzolah Israel volunteer Yehuda Feig who refused to give up until Bentzi’s life was out of danger.  Bentzi’s parents joined him in presenting a plaque to Hatzolah Israel volunteers as an expression of their unending gratitude.

Each of the speakers expressed awe and admiration for the Hatzolah Israel volunteers who are willing to put everything else aside in order to help save lives. Rabbi Duki Greenwald said that the sight of so many of Hatzolah Israel volunteers together under one roof gave him the strength and the fortitude to continue implementing the new projects and campaigns currently underway.  Mr. Eli Bin of MDA expressed gratitude and appreciation to Hatzolah Israel for their unending efforts. Mr. Bin told everyone how  Hatzolah Israel volunteers work together with MDA staff as a team to provide victims with the most efficient care. Rabbi Ya’akov Litzman spoke of the nation’s obligation to support Hatzolah Israel, the original organization designated to saving lives all over Israel. He stressed the professionalism and expertise of the volunteers and gave his blessing to the continued success of the joint efforts of Hatzolah Israel and Magen David Adom.

The volunteers at the Chanukah gathering came from all over the country, including: Tel-Aviv, Rehovot, Bnei Brak, Rishon L’Zion, Jerusalem, Beitar, Modi’in, Ma’ale Adumim, Elad, Beit Shemesh, Kiryat Sefer and Yavne.  Many of the volunteers spoke with Hatzolah Israel heads and told them that the evening gave them renewed strength to continue their efforts.  All left the evening with warm feelings of satisfaction, knowing that their life-saving work has far-reaching implications.

In addition, Hatzolah Israel has just launched a brand new website! Click HERE to visit it.