United Hatzalah Introduces First All-Women Response Unit

United Hatzalah, Israel’s renowned volunteer emergency response organization, has made history by launching the country’s first all-female emergency response unit. This groundbreaking initiative, based in Jerusalem, seeks to expand the role of women in life-saving missions across the country. Traditionally composed of male Orthodox Jewish volunteers, United Hatzalah is now embracing a broader vision by training and equipping more women to join its ranks.

The organization, famous for its rapid response times often arriving on motorcycles within three minutes was instrumental during the Hamas massacre on October 7, where it provided critical assistance. United Hatzalah’s speed and efficiency are unmatched, and the addition of a female-led unit marks a new chapter in its operations. By the end of 2024, the group aims to increase the number of female volunteers to 2,000 out of a total of 7,000.

Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Meta, has been a key supporter of this initiative, contributing $5 million in honor of her parents, Dr. Joel and Adele Sandberg. Her donation will help equip this all-women unit, which includes a diverse range of professionals such as EMTs, paramedics, doctors, nurses, midwives, and social workers. Sandberg praised the women of the unit for their dedication and for transcending ethnic and religious boundaries to save lives across Israel.

“The Women’s Unit is a testament to the extraordinary courage, skill, and dedication of our female volunteers, both in times of routine and in times of war,” said Eli Beer, president and founder of United Hatzalah. The organization will prioritize deploying female responders for cases involving childbirth and other female-specific medical conditions, ensuring that women across Israel have access to appropriate care when needed most.

Although the idea for the women’s unit was conceived before the tragic October 7 attack, the initiative takes on added significance in the aftermath. With over 1,200 civilians killed and many more injured or kidnapped, United Hatzalah has been a crucial part of the nation’s emergency response, and this new unit further enhances their capabilities.

In addition to Sandberg’s contribution, Israeli-American philanthropist Dr. Miriam Adelson has also supported United Hatzalah with a $3 million donation earlier this year, providing the organization with much-needed emergency vehicles during wartime.

United Hatzalah’s commitment to saving lives continues to inspire, and the creation of an all-female emergency response unit highlights Israel’s ongoing efforts to innovate and lead in fields of public safety and health. These remarkable women are not only breaking barriers but also reinforcing Israel’s values of inclusivity, courage, and community.

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