Former boxing world champion Floyd Mayweather donated $1 million to United Hatzalah of Israel at the organization’s annual Miami Gala on Thursday evening.
More than 1,700 people attended the sold-out event that raised $14 million in support of United Hatzalah’s work in Israel.
Mayweather received United Hatzalah’s Champion of Israel award for his support of the Jewish state, especially during the Swords of Iron war. In October, Mayweather donated 100 bulletproof helmets and vests to protect United Hatzalah’s volunteers, who continue to respond under fire to war-time attacks.
“You are all fighters. I am a former fighter, but we keep fighting every day,” said Mayweather at the Miami gala.
Addressing the organization’s founder, he continued, “Eli [Beer], you and United Hatzalah are doing such a great job. I will be here until the casket drops, supporting you and standing behind you as long as there are people who need your help.”
Mayweather also gave philanthropist Dr. Miriam Adelson, a longtime United Hatzalah supporter, a diamond necklace in the shape of the organization’s logo. “Dr. Miriam Adelson is not just a good woman, but a great woman,” said Mayweather.
“We all saw the ambulances of United Hatzalah that went into the kibbutzim on October 7. The spirit of the volunteers is that they don’t give up,” Adelson said.
Comedian Jay Leno, a long-time supporter of Israel and honorary board member of United Hatzalah, provided the featured entertainment for the evening, along with Mem, the popular masked Israeli singer, who made a surprise visit to the event after serving on the frontlines in the Israel Defense Forces.
Philanthropist Sylvan Adams, Jason and Naomi Greenblatt and Family, and entrepreneur Bashar Masri will donate an advanced lifesaving vehicle to United Hatzalah to serve the Arab neighborhoods of Jerusalem for $120,000.
Mayweather, 47, won world championships spanning five weight classes from super featherweight to light middleweight.
