More than 1,300 community leaders, philanthropists, influencers, elected officials, and supporters gathered at Cipriani in Lower Manhattan last week for United Hatzalah’s annual New York Gala, transforming one of Manhattan’s landmark venues into a celebration of service, resilience, and Jewish unity.
The event, now a fixture on the New York Jewish calendar, highlighted the 20-year rise of Israel’s largest fully volunteer emergency medical service organization and the deep bond between the American Jewish community and Israel.
Among those in attendance were former New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, Lizzy Savetsky, Zach Sage Fox, Ari Ackerman, Shalom Jacobs, Miriam Malnik-Ezagui, major philanthropists, business leaders, and supporters from across the tri-state area.
One of the evening’s central moments was a conversation between Amb. Ron Dermer, recipient of the Hero of Israel Award, and investor and sports team owner David Blitzer. Introduced by Alex Witkoff, the discussion touched on Israel’s current challenges, including the conflict with Iran, nearly three years of war, and the enduring bond between Israel and Jewish communities around the world.
Comedian Modi Rosenfeld, who received the Beacon of Joy Award, brought what he called “Mashiach energy” to the evening. Referencing the recent yahrzeit of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Modi reflected on the Rebbe’s teaching about helping another person without hesitation, noting that few organizations embody that idea more completely than United Hatzalah.
“The essence of United Hatzalah is simple,” Modi said. “When someone needs help, you go. No questions asked.”
Yet the most powerful moments came not from the prominent names in the room, but from the stories of the volunteers and families whose lives are inseparable from United Hatzalah’s mission.
The evening paid tribute to United Hatzalah volunteer Chemi Erlanger, who was killed in a motorcycle accident while riding home from IDF reserve duty on the first night of Chanukah. His widow, Sapir Erlanger, and one of their sons spoke about Chemi’s devotion to helping others and the sacrifices made not only by volunteers, but by their families.
In a moment that brought both laughter and tears, Chemi’s son Harel Erlanger was challenged on stage to solve a Rubik’s Cube in exchange for a donor’s pledge to dedicate two new ambucycles in his father’s memory.
Harel completed the challenge in 12 seconds flat. Maybe not a world record, but with 1300 hungry Jews waiting for dessert, is no less remarkable, commented Eli Beer.
The room erupted in applause, and the dedication ensured that Chemi’s legacy of saving lives will continue on Israel’s roads.
Earlier in the evening, the Ramaz Choir performed the American and Israeli national anthems, setting a tone of pride, remembrance, and hope.
Rabbi Shmuley Boteach reflected on United Hatzalah’s growth from Eli Beer’s early dream to a national network of more than 8,600 volunteers.
“I remember when United Hatzalah started as Eli Beer’s dream, with just three medics in all of Israel,” Boteach said. “To see it grow into a network of more than 8,600 volunteers is nothing short of remarkable.”
That growth remained a central theme of the gala, particularly among young Jewish professional. Young Leadership Co Chairs Brandon and Kyle Lutnick helped energize a new generation of supporters, reinforcing the gala’s role as both a marquee communal event and a platform for sustained engagement.
For many in attendance, the gala was more than a fundraiser. It was a celebration of the idea that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they choose to place the needs of others first.
In a world often defined by division, United Hatzalah’s volunteers continue to demonstrate that saving a life remains one of the few causes capable of bringing everyone together.
Written in collaboration with United Hatzalah