United Hatzalah’s NYC gala raises $20 million in strong rebuke to protests.

(Courtesy of United Hatzalah) Israeli Eurovision star Eden Golan headlined United Hatzalah of Israel’s Fifth Annual Gala on June 4, which raised $20 million to advance the organization’s lifesaving work in Israel. In the face of antisemitic and anti-Israel protests throughout NYC and the U.S., more than 1,400 pro-Israel guests packed the event in a strong showing of support for Israel and the volunteers of United Hatzalah.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams surprised the crowd by joining Eli Beer, founder and president of United Hatzalah, and Golan on stage to proclaim June 4, 2024 “Eden Golan Day” in New York City, as well as share his support for Israel and United Hatzalah, stating: “This organization really personifies the Jewish community. I say over and over again, United Hatzalah quietly carries out your role of giving back to humanity. People don’t realize how much you’ve given back so often.”

Renowned Israeli singer Eden Golan received the “Hero Award” for her bravery in representing Israel and the Jewish people during the recent Eurovision contest in Sweden, which saw significant anti-Israel protests. Golan performed several songs including her world-famous “Hurricane,” which she sang at Eurovision. Israel advocate Lizzy Savetsky presented the award given to Golan, which was created by renowned artist and activist Elizabeth Sutton.

“It is so humbling to receive the Hero Award from United Hatzalah. It was such an honor to represent my country at Eurovision and show the world the strength of Israel and the Jewish people. I’m grateful to share in this important gathering with the brave and heroic volunteers of United Hatzalah,” said Golan.

Chaired by Allison and Howard Lutnick, Chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, the event honored Phyllis and Sidney Bresler and The Schattner Foundation for their significant contributions to supporting United Hatzalah and Israel. In honor of United Hatzalah’s 7,000 volunteers, the Lutnicks announced that the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund is making a $7 million donation to support those impacted by the war in Israel, a portion of which will go directly to United Hatzalah.

“Howard and I walk in lockstep with Israel, and we are ready to do all that we can to help our homeland survive and heal—that includes always supporting the critical role that United Hatzalah plays in the lives of Israelis,” said Allison Lutnick, director of disaster relief at the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund. “Eli [Beer], it is such an honor to be a part of this event. You and your volunteers embody one of the Jewish faith’s most important principles—that whoever saves one life, it’s as if they have saved the entire world.”

“Cantor Fitzgerald proved that you can rebuild from the worst of circumstances,” said Howard Lutnick. “Israel will rebuild, and it will be stronger. In 15 years, Israel will be the shining star of the world.”

Actor and comedian Michael Rapaport, who has been vocal in his support of Israel, emceed the evening, entertaining the large crowd in appreciation of United Hatzalah’s volunteers. The title sponsors of the event were Cantor Fitzgerald, the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund, Greenberg Traurig Law, El Al, and 3i.

“Eden Golan stood proudly for Israel and the Jewish people, demonstrating tremendous bravery and strength while representing her nation at Eurovision. Her heroism inspires us all, and we are honored to recognize her fearlessness at our Gala. Being able to stand on stage with her and Mayor Eric Adams to proclaim June 4th officially ‘Eden Golan Day’ in New York City was such a blessing. I am extremely grateful to Allison and Howard Lutnick and all our supporters for their tremendous contributions to our life-saving work,” said Beer.

The Young Leadership After Party included a special performance by DJ Itay Galo, bringing together more than 600 of New York’s top young Jewish leaders. With widespread antisemitism and anti-Israel protests on college campuses, United Hatzalah’s young leaders demonstrated pride in Israel and United Hatzalah’s lifesaving mission.

United Hatzalah is the world’s largest fully volunteer EMS organization, with always free medical care and an average 90-second response time. This organization’s country-wide network of volunteers, its state-of-the-art dispatch and command system, and its fleet of nimble emergency vehicles enable such a fast response time. United Hatzalah treated more than 4,000 civilians and soldiers injured by Hamas’ violent attack on October 7^th. United Hatzalah volunteers are Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Druze, and secular men and women who work tirelessly to save the lives of everyone they can, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or nationality, fully for free.