More than 200 people ran in support of United Hatzalah in the Jerusalem Marathon on March 8. The runners raised $90,000-plus in support of Israel’s largest community-based EMS organization ahead of the race. The money raised will go towards purchasing new vehicles and medical equipment, as well as training additional volunteers.
This year’s marathon theme paid tribute to security forces and rescue teams, and some 150 of the organization’s volunteer first responders from across the country participated, including many who rescued people under fire in the areas in southern Israel invaded by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7.
Some runners for United Hatzalah participated as part of “Team Avraham,” named after Avigdor Chai Avraham Lifshutz, a teenager who tragically passed away three years ago. The Lifschutz family invited their friends and relatives to run and raise funds to donate a mini-lance in memoriam. The mini-lance is a nimble, four-seat response vehicle that is narrow enough to allow volunteer first responders to maneuver between traffic while responding to emergencies.
“Every year, we are proud to take part in the Jerusalem marathon for the great cause of lifesaving, and this year was even more special,” said United Hatzalah president and founder Eli Beer. “Many of the volunteers taking part in this year’s marathon were involved in the response to Oct. 7 as first responders, were enlisted to the army as reservists, or were evacuated from their homes in northern and southern Israel. Despite these circumstances, they continued to put others before themselves and save lives on a daily basis ever since. I am incredibly proud of them and of all our volunteers, and I am grateful to the Jerusalem Marathon for the tribute that they so deserve.”
