In Memory of UH Medic Michael Reitzin z"l
Message to sponsors
It is with a heavy heart that I share the devastating loss of our volunteer, Michael Reitzin. He was not only a dedicated member of United Hatzalah but also a brave protector of his community in Kibbutz Holit. On October 7th, he fought with extraordinary courage, defending his home and saving lives in the face of terror. He endured nearly 500 days of unimaginable trauma, despite every effort to support him, and tragically, he could not overcome it.
Michael was both a police officer and a community security volunteer. That day, armed only with his handgun and less than 30 bullets, he fought for hours to protect his community and his family. Amidst the horror, his neighbor Moti's young daughter was injured by a grenade thrown by terrorists as they attacked their home. Michael, in an act of immense bravery and selflessness, tried to save her life while also continuing to defend those around him. He was fighting on multiple fronts—trying to rescue an innocent child while protecting his own family and his entire community.
In an interview he gave months ago, he revealed something that left us all shaken—he had started with 30 bullets in his magazines but kept 4 in his pocket. When asked why, he said it was in case the terrorists reached him and his family. He would not allow them to be taken alive. The weight of those words speaks to the horror he faced and the impossible decisions he had to make.
We tried to help Michael through his trauma, and so did the police, but the scars of that day never left him. His loss is heartbreaking for all of us. Michael was not just a volunteer; he was a husband, a father, a protector, and a hero who gave everything for his people.
We will continue his mission and fight for the values he stood for. We will find ways to honor his memory and ensure that he is always remembered as one of our most incredible heroes.
Eli B.
1 donor
About United Hatzalah of Israel
United Hatzalah of Israel is the largest independent, non-profit, fully volunteer Emergency Medical Service organization that provides the fastest and free emergency medical first response throughout Israel. United Hatzalah’s service is available to all people regardless of race, religion, or national origin. United Hatzalah has more than 8,000 volunteers around the country, available around the clock – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. With the help of our unique GPS technology and our iconic ambucycles, our average response time is less than 3 minutes across the country and 90 seconds in metropolitan areas. Our mission is to arrive at the scene of medical emergencies as soon as possible and provide the patient with professional and appropriate medical aid until an ambulance arrives, resulting in many more lives saved.
