New York, NY - HATZALAH YS, an international humanitarian emergency response organization also known globally as Rescuers Without Borders, announces the official launch of its United States Branch, opening a significant new chapter in the organization’s development after more than two decades of life-saving operations in Israel and worldwide.

Founded in 2000 in Israel, HATZALAH YS has spent over twenty years delivering rapid emergency medical response and humanitarian aid both locally and internationally. The establishment of the U.S. Branch reflects the organization’s strategic evolution—and the growing need to strengthen global preparedness, sustainability, and coordination in the face of increasingly frequent emergencies and humanitarian crises.

Headquartered in New York, the U.S. Branch will serve as HATZALAH YS’s North American hub, supporting emergency medical and humanitarian missions in Israel and worldwide, while expanding awareness, partnerships, and philanthropic engagement across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

A Proven Emergency Response Model

Since its founding in 2000, HATZALAH YS has developed emergency response services by training local volunteers and equipping them with advanced medical equipment and communication systems designed to provide immediate life-saving care until ambulances arrive and patients can be evacuated.

Today, the organization’s operations include:

• Emergency calls per day: 320
• Ambulances: 15
• Rescue vehicles: 35
• Life-saving medical kits: 1,320
• Trained volunteers: 1,600

Healing the Invisible Wounds: Supporting Children After October 7

In response to the nationwide trauma that followed the events of October 7, 2023, HATZALAH YS has significantly expanded its psychological support programs for children affected by post-traumatic stress. According to official recognition, 19,407 children, including 37% under the age of six, have been identified as suffering from physical injuries or psychological trauma, and medical experts warn of an unprecedented mental-health crisis.

With eight years of experience in animal-assisted therapy (zootherapy), HATZALAH YS operates therapeutic farms in southern Israel, including a zootherapy center in Sderot and an equine-therapy farm in Kibbutz Ourim, helping children rebuild trust, emotional stability, and a sense of safety.

Since October 7, more than 1,200 children have already been treated through HATZALAH YS programs. After temporary closures due to the conflict, HATZALAH YS launched a mobile therapeutic farm, a 12-ton truck traveling nationwide, to continue providing care to displaced children. Demand has since surged dramatically, with hundreds of additional children currently waiting for treatment.

To respond to this urgent need, HATZALAH YS is reinforcing its existing facilities, expanding the mobile program, and developing a new therapeutic farm near Jerusalem, with land already provided by the municipality of Givat Zeev. The organization is currently seeking funding to launch construction and increase treatment capacity. These children are the future; supporting their recovery strengthens the future resilience of Israeli society.

Why the United States? Why Now?

The creation of the U.S. Branch marks a strategic milestone in HATZALAH YS’s history. While the organization has operated internationally for over two decades, establishing a permanent presence in the United States strengthens governance, transparency, institutional partnerships, and long-term development.

North America Leadership

To lead this new chapter, HATZALAH YS has appointed David Serero as Director of North America Operations and Development. Based in New York, he will oversee the launch and growth of the U.S. Branch, including the formation of a leadership committee, donor engagement, public relations, and the organization of major awareness and fundraising events.

“While HATZALAH YS has been saving lives since 2000, the creation of our U.S. Branch represents a decisive step forward,” said Arié Lévy, Vice-Chairman and Co-Founder of HATZALAH YS. “This expansion strengthens our ability to unite American Jewish communities with Jewish communities worldwide and to secure the resources necessary to sustain and grow our humanitarian mission, while remaining faithful to the values that have guided us from the beginning. Whoever saves a life, saves humanity.”

Upcoming U.S. Events

The relaunch of the U.S. Branch will be accompanied by a series of events designed to introduce HATZALAH YS’s mission to supporters and partners across the United States:

• March / New York Private cocktail reception marking the official launch of the U.S. Branch and the formation of a North American leadership committee.
• April / Los Angeles Cocktail reception bringing together community leaders and supporters.
• Early May / Miami Fundraising event in support of HATZALAH YS’s humanitarian missions.
• Mid-May / New York Seated fundraising gala dinner benefiting HATZALAH YS’s life-saving operations.

HATZALAH YS remains committed to transparency, efficiency, and measurable impact, ensuring that all resources raised directly support emergency preparedness, medical response, and humanitarian operations in Israel and worldwide.

For media inquiries or additional information: Email: news@theculturenews.com Website: en.hatzalah.org.il

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