United Hatzalah Gala: Event Raises $18 Million to Support Life-Saving Operations in Israel

Photo Credit: Courtesy of United Hatzalah and Eli Weintraub

NEW YORK — On the evening of June 11th, 2025, a defining moment in philanthropic and humanitarian leadership unfolded at the United Hatzalah of Israel’s annual New York Gala. Steve Witkoff—U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Peace Missions and a highly respected real estate developer—took the stage as the evening’s Special Guest Speaker. Witkoff’s presence at the event wasn’t just ceremonial; it underscored the vital intersection between diplomacy, humanitarian commitment, and the fight to save lives in Israel and beyond.

One of the evening’s most moving moments came when Witkoff joined Dr. Miriam Adelson, the Gala Chair, on stage alongside two Israeli citizens—Noa Argamani and Eli Sharabi—former hostages held captive by Hamas. During an emotionally charged exchange, Argamani offered her personal thanks to Witkoff, recognizing him as a steadfast ally in the ongoing fight to bring all remaining hostages home. She voiced her enduring hope: “I am sure and trust you will continue to fight for each hostage to be released until the very last, including my boyfriend, Avinatan, who is still held by Hamas.”

Photo Credit: Courtesy of United Hatzalah and Eli Weintraub

Steve Witkoff has played a pivotal role in facilitating hostage release negotiations, leveraging his influence as the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Peace Missions. His keynote address at the gala was a profound testament to his continued dedication to both the security of Israel and the broader mission of peace. His efforts have not only brought families back together but have become a symbol of international resolve against terror and injustice.

The 2025 United Hatzalah Gala raised an astonishing $18 million, funds that will go directly toward training 1,200 new volunteer medics in Israel. This historic evening gathered 1,700 guests from across sectors—diplomatic, philanthropic, medical, and civic—each sharing a collective commitment to rapid emergency response and community resilience in Israel.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of United Hatzalah and Eli Weintraub

The Greenberg Traurig Courage Award was presented to Dr. Tamar Shlezinger for her exceptional bravery and commitment on October 7th. As a volunteer medic in United Hatzalah’s Psychotrauma & Crisis Response Unit, Dr. Shlezinger delivered critical psychological support over the phone to two young children, Michael and Amalia, who were hiding in a closet after their parents were tragically murdered and their sister abducted. Over a harrowing 12-hour ordeal, she maintained contact, offering reassurance and guiding them to safety until the IDF arrived. Her selflessness exemplifies the heart of United Hatzalah’s mission.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of United Hatzalah and Eli Weintraub

The gala was chaired by Dr. Miriam Adelson, a formidable voice in medical philanthropy and unwavering supporter of United Hatzalah. Among the event’s key supporters was the Honorable Howard Lutnick, joined by his son Brandon Lutnick—Chairman of Cantor Fitzgerald and a rising member of the Young Leadership Board. Brandon opened the event by acknowledging his parents’ long-standing commitment to United Hatzalah and called on the next generation to continue the legacy of giving.

Alex Witkoff, who served as Young Leadership Chair, drew a compelling parallel between his father Steve Witkoff’s peace efforts and United Hatzalah’s mission of saving lives in Israel. He addressed the attendees, expressing deep gratitude to the former hostages present, the 20 families of hostages in attendance, and prominent supporters including Ambassador David Friedman and his wife Tammy, Israel’s Permanent Representative to the UN Danny Danon, and former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of United Hatzalah and Eli Weintraub

A major highlight of the evening came as Dr. Miriam Adelson surprised attendees with a generous $5 million donation toward enhancing United Hatzalah’s ambucycle fleet. This donation supports the organization’s life-saving vehicles—two-wheeled motorcycle ambulances, known as ambucycles, that allow for ultra-fast response times of just 90 seconds.

Invented by Eli Beer, United Hatzalah’s visionary founder, the ambucycle program has transformed emergency medical services in Israel. Beer, who was introduced on stage by philanthropist Bob Book, continues to lead the organization with resolve and inspiration—even after surviving a near-fatal COVID-19 episode five years ago.

The gala’s title sponsors—Greenberg Traurig, 3i, IsraJet, Safra National, and Cantor Fitzgerald—demonstrated how the business and legal communities are stepping up to support humanitarian innovation. Their contributions bolster an expanding emergency response infrastructure that is urgently needed in today’s unpredictable global climate.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of United Hatzalah and Eli Weintraub

Eli Beer captured the essence of the evening when he stated, “We are honored to have Steve Witkoff as protector of Israel and the Jewish people. In a room full of New York’s biggest philanthropists, it is Mr. Steve Witkoff who gave us the biggest gift possible: the release of dozens of hostages held in Hamas captivity in Gaza. This is not just a gift to the families, it is a gift to the entire nation of Israel, and we will never forget it.”

Photo Credit: Courtesy of United Hatzalah and Eli Weintraub

United Hatzalah operates as Israel’s premier volunteer-based emergency medical response organization, with over 8,000 medics, EMTs, doctors, and therapists ready to respond within 90 seconds to emergencies across the country. The funds raised at this year’s gala will be used directly to bolster this effort—ensuring more lives are saved, more families are supported, and more communities can feel protected in their most vulnerable moments.

The 2025 United Hatzalah New York Gala was not only a celebration of courage and generosity—it was a call to action. From Steve Witkoff’s tireless diplomatic mission to the relentless volunteerism of everyday medics on the ground, the evening was a profound reminder that leadership, compassion, and innovation are the foundation for real and lasting impact.

The post United Hatzalah Gala: Event Raises $18 Million to Support Life-Saving Operations in Israel appeared first on Haute Living.