Hatzalah YS, an international humanitarian emergency response organization also known globally as Rescuers Without Borders, announces the official launch of its United States branch, opening a significant new chapter in the organization’s development after more than two decades of lifesaving operations in Israel and worldwide.
Founded in 2000 in Israel, Hatzalah YS has spent more than 20 years delivering rapid emergency medical response and humanitarian aid both locally and internationally. The establishment of the U.S. branch reflects the organization’s strategic evolution—and the growing need to strengthen global preparedness, sustainability and coordination in the face of increasingly frequent emergencies and humanitarian crises.
Headquartered in New York, the U.S. branch will serve as Hatzalah YS’s North American hub, supporting emergency medical and humanitarian missions in Israel and worldwide while expanding awareness, partnerships and philanthropic engagement across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
A Proven Emergency Response Model
Since its founding in 2000, Hatzalah YS has developed emergency response services by training local volunteers and equipping them with advanced medical equipment and communication systems designed to provide immediate lifesaving care until ambulances arrive and patients can be evacuated.
Today, the organization’s operations include:
- Emergency calls per day: 320
- Ambulances: 15
- Rescue vehicles: 35
- Lifesaving medical kits: 1,320
- Trained volunteers: 1,600
Healing the Invisible Wounds: Supporting Children After Oct. 7
In response to the nationwide trauma that followed the events of Oct. 7, 2023, Hatzalah YS has significantly expanded its psychological support programs for children affected by post-traumatic stress. According to official recognition, 19,407 children, including 37% under the age of 6, have been identified as suffering from physical injuries or psychological trauma. Medical experts warn of an unprecedented mental-health crisis.
With eight years of experience in animal-assisted therapy (zootherapy), Hatzalah YS operates therapeutic farms in southern Israel, including a zootherapy center in Sderot and an equine-therapy farm in Kibbutz Ourim, helping children rebuild trust, emotional stability and a sense of safety.
Since Oct. 7, more than 1,200 children have already been treated through Hatzalah YS programs. After temporary closures due to the conflict, Hatzalah YS launched a mobile therapeutic farm—a 12-ton truck traveling nationwide—to continue providing care to displaced children. Demand has since surged dramatically, with hundreds of additional children currently waiting for treatment.
To respond to this urgent need, Hatzalah YS is reinforcing its existing facilities, expanding the mobile program and developing a new therapeutic farm near Jerusalem, with land already provided by the municipality of Givat Zeev. The organization is currently seeking funding to launch construction and increase treatment capacity. These children are the future; supporting their recovery strengthens the future resilience of Israeli society.
Why the United States? Why Now?
The creation of the U.S. branch marks a strategic milestone in Hatzalah YS’s history. While the organization has operated internationally for more than two decades, establishing a permanent presence in the United States strengthens governance, transparency, institutional partnerships and long-term development.
North America Leadership
To lead this new chapter, Hatzalah YS has appointed David Serero as director of North America operations and development. Based in New York, he will oversee the launch and growth of the American branch, including the formation of a leadership committee, donor engagement, public relations and the organization of major awareness and fundraising events.
“While Hatzalah YS has been saving lives since 2000, the creation of our U.S. branch represents a decisive step forward,” said Arié Lévy, vice chairman and co-founder of Hatzalah YS. “This expansion strengthens our ability to unite American Jewish communities with Jewish communities worldwide and to secure the resources necessary to sustain and grow our humanitarian mission while remaining faithful to the values that have guided us from the beginning. Whoever saves a life, saves humanity.”
Upcoming U.S. Events
The relaunch of the U.S. branch will be accompanied by a series of events designed to introduce Hatzalah YS’s mission to supporters and partners across the United States:
- March / New York
Private cocktail reception marking the official launch of the U.S. branch and the formation of a North American leadership committee. - April / Los Angeles
Cocktail reception bringing together community leaders and supporters. - Early May / Miami
Fundraising event in support of Hatzalah YS’s humanitarian missions. - Mid-May / New York
Seated fundraising gala dinner benefiting Hatzalah YS’s lifesaving operations.
Hatzalah YS remains committed to transparency, efficiency and measurable impact, ensuring that all resources raised directly support emergency preparedness, medical response and humanitarian operations in Israel and worldwide.
For media inquiries or additional information:
Email: news@theculturenews.com
Website: en.hatzalah.org.il
