The United Hatzalah Gala in Los Angeles raised millions to support Life -Saving Operations in Israel

LOS ANGELES, CA – On Thursday, September 18, 2025, the Fairmont Century Plaza at 2025 Avenue of the Stars hosted a triumphant United Hatzalah Gala, celebrating the organization's lifesaving work and honoring remarkable individuals. The event, chaired by business leaders Rick Caruso and Sunny Sassoon, drew a diverse crowd united in support of United Hatzalah of Israel, the world's leading fully volunteer emergency medical service.

The evening's highlight was actress Gal Gadot presenting the "Hero Award" to Yuval Raphael, the Israeli Eurovision contestant who captured global hearts by finishing second in this year's competition and winning the popular vote. Raphael, a survivor of the October 7 Hamas attack at the Nova Music Festival, endured eight harrowing hours hiding under the bodies of friends in a 4-square-meter shelter before her rescue. She later testified before the United Nations Human Rights Council about Hamas's atrocities, sharing that while her physical injuries are healing, "the mental scars will stay forever." Raphael's stirring performance of her song "New Day Will Rise" filled the room with emotion, showcasing her resilience and talent.Gadot, a proud supporter of United Hatzalah, spoke passionately about the organization's volunteers. "

Jews, Muslims, Christians, men, and women rush out at a moment's notice to save the lives of complete strangers. They don't ask who you are, where you're from, or what you believe. They simply respond, and they do it all for free," she said. Reflecting on her time in Israel, she added, "When I see those orange vests racing by on Ambucycles, it's an orange blur to most. But to someone in need, it's the most important sight in the world."

Yuval Raphael singing United Hatzalah Gala in Los Angeles Raises Funds for Lifesaving Mission, Honors Heroes

The gala also honored Shaun Maguire of Sequoia Capital with the Am Yisrael Award for his unwavering support of Israel and United Hatzalah's mission. Actor Jon Voight, a longtime advocate for the Jewish community and Israel, attended and spoke, further elevating the evening's impact.Eli Beer, President and Founder of United Hatzalah, emphasized the event's significance: "Every person who attended this night helped ensure our volunteers in Israel can continue responding in seconds to save lives." The organization, with over 8,000 EMTs, medics, paramedics, and doctors, handles more than 800,000 emergencies annually, aiming for a 90-second response time, all free of charge.

The evening raised critical funds to train new medics and psychotrauma specialists, and to purchase essential medical equipment and emergency vehicles. The gala's Young Leadership Chair, Ryan Marciano, who has championed United Hatzalah's mission for years, also volunteered as DJ for the afterparty, keeping the celebration going into the early hours. The event was supported by corporate sponsor Greenberg Traurig Law.

The night was a powerful testament to the courage of individuals like Yuval Raphael and the dedication of United Hatzalah's volunteers, inspiring attendees to support a mission that makes the world a better place, one life at a time.For more information, visit uhnygala.com or email [email protected].