Two months after being stabbed on his way from a shelter to his home in Ramat Gan, Rabbi Gedaliahu Ben-Shimon met for the first time with the Hatzalah volunteers who saved his life. 

At the Hatzalah organization’s recognition evening, Ben Shimon described how everything happened in seconds, immediately after returning from the shelter following a siren.

“Exactly two months ago, as I tried to return home from the shelter after a siren, right at the entrance to the religious council in the city center, an Arab terrorist attacked me, shouted ‘Allahu akbar,’ and stabbed me. I shouted ‘Shema Yisrael.’ That’s how it was: he shouted ‘Allahu akbar,’ and I shouted ‘Shema Yisrael, help help.’”

With a choked voice, he described the terrifying moments he’s experienced since that evening. “I wouldn’t wish anyone to look that fear in the eyes. Suddenly, when I need it most, I’m on the floor, and everything goes black. He’s right above me, shouting that I’m surrendering. I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe, until I truly meet the angels.”

At the scene, critical minutes were spent fighting for his life. Volunteer Bentzi Forgas, an ICU nurse at Ichilov Hospital, immediately contacted the hospital from the field, alerting the surgical team to prepare for Ben-Shimon’s arrival, including blood units. Hatzalah said the rapid response of the volunteers was decisive in the first minutes following the stabbing.

Rabbi’s wife thanks volunteers’ wives

The rabbi’s wife also attended the emotional event, distributing bouquets to the volunteers’ wives in recognition of the support they give their spouses during rescue operations. She additionally presented special thank-you bouquets to the wives of the two volunteers who saved her husband’s life.

Hatzalah CEO Rabbi Yaakov Yosef said during the evening, “This evening is dedicated to the women who enable volunteers to be available for any call, at any hour. Gedaliahu Ben Shimon’s story illustrates just how critical every second is and how the dedication of volunteers and their families actually saves lives.”

Chairman Rabbi Asher Shlomovitz added, “Seeing a person who was saved come specifically to thank those who rescued him is the strongest reminder of the meaning of Hatzalah. Behind every call response is an entire family mobilized to save lives, and this evening is a salute to them.”