Last month, I had the immense honor of visiting Israel and spending time with our United Hatzalah volunteers on the ground. United Hatzalah is an Israeli volunteer-based emergency medical services organization, which provides free service throughout Israel.

It was an eye-opening and deeply moving experience—my first time back since February 2023. I wanted to hear their stories firsthand and ensure they continue to be shared.

One of the days, we traveled south to Sderot to visit what was once the Sderot Police Station—now a memorial site. Over lunch with local volunteers, we listened as they recounted their harrowing experiences from Oct. 7, 2023. One of the volunteers who surprised us that day was Rabbi Chaim Sassi, a true hero within United Hatzalah. 

On Oct. 7th, Sassi responded on his “ambucycle” to what he thought was an active shooter call in Sderot, unaware of the full-scale attack unfolding. While treating the injured, he was shot multiple times by a sniper positioned on the roof of the police station. He suffered life-threatening wounds to his face and body and endured months of grueling recovery.

Fast forward to last month—Sassi walked into the room, his ambucycle jacket proudly worn, helmet tucked under his arm, a slight limp in his step, and multiple scars bearing witness to his ordeal. And yet, with unwavering conviction, he shared that he’d do it all over again if it meant saving lives. What a testament to the heroes who make up United Hatzalah.

While in Sderot, I also met Ilan James, another extraordinary volunteer whose story will stay with me forever. On Oct. 7th, as terrorists launched their attacks, James was out answering calls and saving lives, unaware that his wife was faced with an unimaginable decision.

In the midst of the terror, she hid all their children’s toys, handed them tablets, and told them to stay silent—pretending they didn’t exist. She sat quietly, praying that if the terrorists entered their home, they would only see her and not her children. The strength it took to make such a heart-wrenching choice was unfathomable. 

James didn’t learn about this gut-wrenching moment until months later when his wife, overwhelmed with emotion, finally broke down and shared the story. Their bravery, courage and resilience are a testament to the incredible volunteers who make up United Hatzalah.

Later, while riding in our Ambucar with my colleague Michelle and medics Yoni and Rabbi Yehuda, we responded to an emergency—a woman who had fallen while getting off a bus. She was in intense pain but refused help—until she realized we were United Hatzalah. She needed to go to the hospital, but her wheelchair-bound husband, who was studying in a nearby yeshiva, wasn’t answering his phone. Our medics didn’t hesitate—they went to pick him up themselves, so she’d feel at ease and agree to the care she desperately needed.

These are the people who make up United Hatzalah—Jews, Muslims, Christians, secular, Haredi, men, women—people from all backgrounds united by one mission: to save lives. And after Oct. 7th, that mission has never been more urgent. We wiped out $28 million in supplies responding to the attacks. We lost volunteers. And yet, we continue. We are working tirelessly to train 2,000 new medics because Israel needs us—and we refuse to let them down.

Being in Israel, I was amazed to see firsthand how our medics spring into action at a moment’s notice. Witnessing our AI technology—predicting with 90% accuracy where the next emergency will occur—was nothing short of incredible. Experiencing our Mass Casualty Incident Drill firsthand as a patient, alongside K9 United and our psychotherapist, was truly life changing. But I also saw just how stretched thin we are. The need is immense, and the urgency is real.

I’m deeply honored that the St. Louis community—leaders like Michael Staenberg, the Jewish Federation, Epstein Hebrew Academy and our generous donors—have opened their doors to United Hatzalah with such warmth and dedication. This community has already shown how powerful we can be when we come together, and I’m excited to see how we continue to grow and save even more lives.

We need more medics. We need more supplies. If you’re traveling to Israel, reach out for a VIP tour of our headquarters—see our technology in action, meet the medics on the front lines, and hear their powerful stories firsthand. I’m honored to bring this lifesaving opportunity to our community—to be part of something bigger than ourselves, ensuring that no call for help ever goes unanswered. 

For more information, go to www.IsraelRescue.org  or reach out to [email protected].

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