Women from across Israel complete United Hatzalah medic training and prepare to respond to medical emergencies in their communities
Earlier this week, some 30 women from across Israel, many from ultra-Orthodox communities, graduated a United Hatzalah medic training course in Petah Tikva. Having received their official certification, these women will now begin serving as volunteer first responders with United Hatzalah’s Adele & Joel Sandberg Women’s Unit.
The course was designed specifically for women, providing participants with comprehensive emergency medical training and the practical skills needed to respond to emergencies in their homes and communities. Several of the graduates were inspired to join after seeing family members serve as United Hatzalah volunteers.
Among the graduates was Julie Kupershtein, mother of former Israeli hostage Bar Kupershtein and wife of United Hatzalah medic Tal Kupershtein. Tal was seriously injured while en route to an emergency involving a young girl when his ambucycle was struck in an accident. He has since been confined to a wheelchair.
Bar Kupershtein congratulated the women, including his mother, saying,
“My siblings and I grew up in the orange family of United Hatzalah,” Bar remarked. “I remember going on calls with my father and how our Friday night dinners were interrupted by emergency calls. I wasn’t shocked by my mom decided to become a became a medic, it’s a family tradition. Which is also why I decided to volunteer with United Hatzalah as well.”
Julie and her friend Ricki Sitton committed to joining a United Hatzalah medic course following Bar’s release after more than 730 days in Hamas captivity in Gaza.
Julie stated: “It would be great to respond to emergencies with my son. It will be a real family affair.”
Bar is also currently completing a United Hatzalah medic course.
The graduates demonstrated exceptional achievement throughout the program, with every participant receiving a grade of 90 or above on the final certification examination.
At the graduation ceremony, United Hatzalah Petah Tikva Branch Head welcomed the new medics into the organization’s “orange family” and praised their decision to take responsibility for the well-being of others.
“Today, you may be receiving your certificate, but you are also accepting a responsibility and a purpose: to help others and protect life,” the Branch Head told the graduates.
The women will now join the Adele & Joel Sandberg Women’s Unit and begin responding to medical emergencies in communities across Israel. They may be called upon to help a relative, a neighbor or a complete stranger they otherwise might never have met.
The graduates also dedicated their achievement to the memory of fellow course participant Aderet Stein, z”l, who passed away from cancer during the training. Her husband, children, and mother were honored during the graduation ceremony.
“Aderet always wanted to help people, especially when it came to providing medical assistance,” the husband said. “She was not only professional, she had a big heart and tremendous empathy for others in need.”
Aderet’s memory will accompany her fellow graduates as they begin using the skills they learned together to help others and save lives.
