Looking for a Meaningful Chesed Experience in Israel? Pack Lifesaving Medical Bags with United Hatzalah

A visit to Israel is not only about historic sites, ancient streets, open-air markets, and unforgettable family moments. For many families, tourists, and Bar and Bat Mitzvah groups, a trip to Israel is also an opportunity to do something meaningful, memorable, and deeply connected to the spirit of the country.

That search often begins with a simple question: What can we do in Israel that will truly make this experience impactful?

United Hatzalah now offers a powerful answer.

Through a new hands-on chesed program, visitors can spend part of their day with United Hatzalah and help equip the volunteer medics, paramedics, doctors, and ambulance teams who save lives across Israel every day.

The experience begins at the United Hatzalah National Logistics and Distribution Center outside Beit Shemesh. Participants start with a presentation about the lifesaving work of the men and women in orange vests. They learn about the emergency medical equipment carried by more than 8,600 United Hatzalah volunteers each time they rush to the scene of an emergency. They also get an up-close look at the emergency vehicles used by these selfless responders, from ambucycles and ambucars to ambulances and other lifesaving response vehicles.

Then participants are taken into the supply area, where they receive a packing list. The list includes essential medical supplies that go into the medic bags used by United Hatzalah volunteers every day.

That is when the fun really begins.

In an assembly line inspired by Henry Ford, participants of all ages help pack dozens of medical bags. Bandages, tourniquets, disinfectant swabs, trauma supplies, diagnostic tools, and other essential items make their way from the supply shelves into United Hatzalah’s bright orange emergency bags.

These are not ordinary supplies. They are the tools that allow a volunteer medic to treat a child suffering from an extreme allergic reaction, bandage a victim after a car accident, assist a mother during childbirth, or help a patient in the critical moments of a cardiac emergency.

This program gives people from around the world the opportunity to become part of the United Hatzalah story. It allows visitors to see firsthand how ordinary people do extraordinary things, and how a carefully packed medical bag can mean the difference between life and death.

For families planning a son or daughter’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah experience in Israel, this program offers a meaningful way to connect the lifecycle event with responsibility. It is an opportunity to instill traditional Jewish values while taking part in an activity rooted in mutual responsibility, compassion, and community service.

The program is also ideal for youth groups, synagogue missions, summer visitors, holiday travelers, and individual tourists seeking a meaningful way to give back to Israeli society.

This is more than a volunteer activity. It is a chance to help equip the people who leave their homes, workplaces, classrooms, and family tables at all hours of the day and night to rush toward those in need.

Come pack a bag. Help equip a volunteer. Help save a life in Israel.