From Williamsburg to Meron: Hatzalah Founder Rabbi Hershel Weber Honored by Magen David Adom on Lag BaOmer

Meron, Israel — In a moving display of unity between Jewish lifesaving organizations, Rabbi Hershel Weber, the trailblazing founder of Hatzalah in the United States, was warmly welcomed by Magen David Adom (MDA) medics while visiting Meron for Lag BaOmer.

The visit marked a powerful moment of connection between the man who pioneered volunteer-based emergency response in Brooklyn’s frum neighborhoods more than 50 years ago and the national EMS network that now safeguards millions across Israel, including the hundreds of thousands who ascend Meron each year for the yahrtzeit of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.

Rabbi Weber, was transported to Meron in a specially outfitted MDA ambulance equipped for wheelchair access. MDA Chief of Staff Uri Shacham coordinated the visit with care and kavod and was supported by Yossi Fraenkel of Hatzolah Air Israel.

“It was a true honor to greet Rabbi Weber, an inspirational figure and a pioneer in emergency medical services,” said Shacham. “Magen David Adom deeply values our partnership with Hatzalah organizations worldwide. Rabbi Weber’s legacy lives on in every medic who answers a call to save a life.”

MDA’s presence in Meron this year is nothing short of extraordinary. With hundreds of thousands of people at the kever, the organization has mobilized hundreds of medics, EMTs, doctors, and paramedics throughout the Northern District. The preparation included mass-casualty drills, joint operations with Israel Police and Fire and Rescue, and a full emergency command structure active throughout the holiday.

Though separated by continents, Hatzalah and MDA work hand in hand during times of crisis. When conflict erupts and Israeli medics are called up to IDF duty, Hatzalah volunteers from abroad often travel to Israel to fill the gap, continuing the sacred mission of pikuach nefesh.

For many on the ground in Meron, Rabbi Weber’s visit was more than symbolic. It was a full circle moment, bringing together the roots of Hatzalah in America with the frontline responders keeping Am Yisrael safe in the Holy Land.

As the bonfires of Lag BaOmer lit up the night sky, so too did the presence of one man whose spark ignited a global movement of chesed and lifesaving.