Last night, renowned artists Ishay Ribo, Gad Elbaz, and Shmuel performed in United Hatzalah’s annual concert. The event, which took place at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem, drew a sold-out crowd of 3,000 attendees. It aimed to raise funds for a vital cause: the purchase of 1,000 protective kits for volunteers on the front lines. 

The concert featured performances by these beloved artists, whose songs reflected the mood of the moment—celebrating the joy of the Sukkot holiday while praying for the return of the hostages and the protection of IDF soldiers.

Ishay Ribo opened the night with a powerful performance, captivating the audience with his vocals. His ability to connect with the crowd was evident, as his heartfelt songs struck a chord with those in attendance. Ribo shared his thoughts on the significance of the event, stating, “United Hatzalah volunteers are on a mission throughout the year to save other people. It’s a big privilege to take part in an event like this in order to allow them to continue saving more people.”

Throughout the event, United Hatzalah volunteers who saved lives in southern Israel on October 7th were honored through videos and live testimonies on stage. These accounts underscored the necessity of protective gear and highlighted the volunteers’ bravery during a critical time.

Shmuel followed with an energetic set that had the crowd on their feet, his uplifting and spiritual songs creating a vibrant atmosphere. He reflected on his participation in the event, saying, “United Hatzalah gives so much throughout the year in the moments when we need help the most. I wanted to give back what I could to this organization that’s so important to the Jewish people and beyond.”

The concert also featured a moving performance by M., a reservist in a special forces unit who became famous after October 7th for his videos in which he sang while masked to preserve his identity. His heartfelt rendition left a lasting impression on the audience.

Gad Elbaz closed the evening with an electrifying performance that ignited excitement among the audience. His vibrant energy and passion were palpable as he expressed his feelings about performing at such a crucial time: “Performing for United Hatzalah two days before Simchat Torah, a day that now symbolizes a mix of darkness and light, is extremely significant. It’s a huge privilege to take part in an event during which so many Jews from around the world can feel what the organization’s volunteers have done on that day.”

The event was a big success. In addition to the great show and sold-out ticket sales, numerous donation pledges were made at the event, including by boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, who sent a message during the event announcing a donation of 100 bulletproof vests for volunteers on the front lines.

Eli Beer expressed his appreciation to all involved. “Thank you for being here tonight and for your support. Your presence shows that even in difficult times, we can find strength in unity. Let’s continue to stand together for our soldiers, our volunteers, and our community.”