TEL AVIV (VINnews) – The pioneer who transformed volunteer medical first response into a global movement, Rabbi Hershel Weber was welcomed at Ben Gurion Airport by volunteers from United Hatzalah upon his arrival in Israel.

United Hatzalah Founder Eli Beer said it was “a true honor” for the organization’s volunteers to receive Weber, whose model of rapid-response, community-based emergency care began in Williamsburg in the late 1960s and has since spread worldwide.

As he arrived, Weber was asked whether he ever imagined his idea would transform the Jewish world into such a vast lifesaving network. Overcome with emotion, he responded through tears, “I could have never imagined this.”

Beer noted that he is currently in New York preparing for a major fundraising gala in June, adding that he would have personally welcomed and accompanied Weber had he been able to.

United Hatzalah volunteers also assisted with Weber’s journey to Meron ahead of Lag BaOmer, when large crowds are expected to gather at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.

It was a true honor for United Hatzalah volunteers to welcome Rabbi Hershel Weber at Ben Gurion Airport tonight as he arrived in Israel.

Rabbi Weber founded Hatzalah in Williamsburg in the late 1960s. Since then, the model has grown into dozens of Hatzalah organizations across… pic.twitter.com/exrjrQNjoD

— Eli Beer (@EliBeerUH) April 30, 2026