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Ambulance Chicago donor gifted to Israel ends up leading his funeral

Harry Greenwald died before the emergency vehicle, made in Indiana, could travel to Israel.

Harry Greenwald
(From left) Zachary, Trevor, Myles, Rebecca and Gabrielle in front of an ambulance dedicated in honor of their grandfather Harry Greenwald, at the 93-year-old’s funeral, Sept. 9, 2023. Credit: American Friends of Magen David Adom.

Harry Greenwald, a leading plastics entrepreneur and U.S. Navy veteran, and his wife Brenda Kolar donated an ambulance to Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency service.

The philanthropist, 93, had hoped to see the vehicle, which was built in Indiana, before it traveled to Israel, but it was not completed before he died. The ambulance ended up leading his funeral procession on Sept. 9 at Shalom Memorial Park in Arlington Heights, Ill.

“Harry and Brenda cared deeply about the Jewish people and Israel,” Brad Kolar, Greenwald’s stepson, said in his eulogy. “They gave to many causes, but the most important gift Harry ever gave was an ambulance for Magen David Adom. This ambulance will literally save lives,” he said.

Jennifer Elvey Schnepper, senior development executive for Illinois and Wisconsin at American Friends of Magen David Adom, said “it is especially meaningful to see the way Harry’s children and grandchildren are continuing to champion this cause. His memory is truly a blessing.”

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