JERUSALEM (VINnews) – United Hatzalah founder Eli Beer responded defiantly Tuesday night after a billboard promoting his upcoming appearance in Melbourne was torn down and partially burned in what organizers described as an antisemitic act. The damaged billboard, located at the corner of Balaclava and Howitt roads in Caulfield, was advertising a May 31 event titled When Seconds Count.

Despite the vandalism, organizers said the event will proceed as planned. Community leaders noted the billboard promoted an evening focused on saving lives, courage and unity, and condemned the attack as targeting a humanitarian organization whose volunteers include Jews, Muslims and Christians.

In a statement to VIN News, Beer said he has received indications that people want to harm him and the organization, but vowed he would not be intimidated.

“Even if threats against my life come, I will not be intimidated. I will continue working. I am not afraid of those who hate Israel, hate Jews, or hate me,” Beer said. “Evil people will disappear, but Am Yisrael Chai. We are strong. Israel is strong. United Hatzalah is strong. I am strong.”

Beer said Australian and Israeli authorities have been notified of the threats and that he was offered personal protection, though he indicated he does not currently plan to accept it. “I will keep moving forward,” he said.

Jewish leaders in Australia said the vandalism reflects a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents, but insisted the response would be resolve, not retreat. Organizers said attempts to intimidate the Jewish community or silence support for Israel would not succeed.