For many bat mitzvah-aged girls, selecting a meaningful chesed project is a rite of passage — an opportunity to make a difference while stepping into Jewish adulthood. For 11-year-old Yael Mally, a sixth grader at Yeshivat Noam in Bergenfield, the choice was clear: She wanted to support United Hatzalah of Israel, a volunteer-based emergency services organization. With a goal to raise funds for a defibrillator and an ambucycle, Yael has already raised over $9,000 and isn’t stopping anytime soon.
Yael’s inspiration came during a trip to Israel, where she attended a benefit concert with her family. Eli Beer, president of United Hatzalah, took the stage and shared a moving story about a young boy’s life being saved by a defibrillator and an ambucycle.
“I turned to my mother and said, ‘This is what I want my bat mitzvah project to be,’” Yael shared. “At that moment, I just knew this is what I wanted to focus on. It felt so meaningful to me to be able to help save lives and make a difference through something as important as United Hatzalah.”
Once back in the U.S., Yael officially launched her fundraising efforts. She organized a backyard fundraiser, inviting friends and family to support her cause. Beer himself attended and spoke alongside Yael.
“Having Eli Beer at the fundraiser was incredible,” Yael shared. “It meant so much to me and really showed everyone how important this cause is.”
Looking to the future, Yael has even more plans to raise funds. She’s organizing a shoe fundraiser, collecting used and new sneakers, and is also earning money through babysitting.
“The greatest thing about United Hatzalah is that they help everyone,” she said. “It doesn’t matter who you are or what your religion is: If you have a medical emergency, they will help you no matter what. And just as importantly, anyone can volunteer with United Hatzalah. They welcome Muslims, Arabs, Druze, Christians and Jews.”
Yael’s bat mitzvah is scheduled for June 5, but she plans to continue her fundraising efforts beyond that date if necessary. Her family has pledged to match donations dollar for dollar, doubling the impact of every contribution.
“This isn’t a one-and-done thing for me,” Yael continued. “I want to keep helping United Hatzalah for as long as I can. The work they do has an impact on so many different people and I want to show that even kids can make a huge difference when we really put our minds to it.”
Yael’s dedication to her project has inspired her family and friends. Her mother, Rebekah Mally, is especially proud of Yael’s commitment and drive.
“Yael really took ownership here,” Rebekah shared. “From organizing the fundraiser to brainstorming new ideas, she’s been relentless in her efforts to make this a success. Watching her work so hard to help others has been incredibly inspiring for all of us.”
The defibrillator, a critical tool in resuscitation, can mean the difference between life and death in a cardiac emergency, while the ambucycle allows responders to weave through traffic and arrive at the scene faster than traditional ambulances. Both are essential in ensuring that emergency responders can act quickly and effectively.
“Every second counts when someone’s life is on the line,” said Yael. “Knowing that the money I raise could put these tools into someone’s hands and help save a life is the most incredible feeling.”
For other kids who are looking at the daunting task of their own bar or bat mitzvah chesed project, Yael has the following advice: “Find something that really inspires you and speaks to your heart. When you care about the cause, it doesn’t feel like a chore, it feels like you’re making a difference. And don’t worry about reaching your goal right away. Just keep going, because every little bit helps!”
Those who would like to donate to Yael’s fund can do so either via the QR code or by visiting israelrescue.org/mymitzvah/yael-mallys-bat-mitzvah. To donate sneakers for her shoe collection, contact Rebekah Mally at (732) 397-7663.
Adam Samuel is a journalist from Teaneck. He blogs at www.adamssoapbox.com.
