On Saturday night, the United Palace in New York City came alive with the enchanting melodies of the Symphony of the Stars charity concert, organized by United Hatzalah – Israel’s national volunteer-based emergency medical service (EMS) organization, which is dedicated to providing fast and free emergency medical first response throughout Israel. With a remarkable turnout of 3500 people, the event captivated the audience and raised an impressive $250,000 in support of the organization’s lifesaving mission.
The stellar lineup featuring Jewish music stars Ishay Ribo, Avraham Fried, Shulem Lemmer, Mordechai Shapiro and Benny Friedman, accompanied by The Mendy H Band, left an indelible mark on the hearts of concert-goers. In a harmonious convergence of diverse musical styles, the singers, each with their unique appeal, united for the Symphony of the Stars charity concert, created a musical tapestry that resonated across varied audiences and resulted in an extraordinary and unforgettable night. Avrumy Jordan, Major Gifts Officer for the Tristate Area at United Hatzalah, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The evening was a tremendous success from all sides. Singers said the atmosphere felt like the concert was happening in Israel and concertgoers told me it was the most incredible concert N.Y. had ever seen.”
Beyond the musical magic, the Symphony of the Stars concert, produced by Mendy Hershkowitz, carried a deeper significance. United Hatzalah volunteers, who are often at the forefront of emergency responses, were among the first responders of the October 7th massacre committed by Hamas in Israel and the goal of the event was to pay tribute to them, as well as celebrate Jewish unity and pride during these challenging times for the Jewish people.
“We are immensely grateful for the outpouring of support during this challenging time. The Symphony of the Stars was not just a concert; it was a collective expression of solidarity and strength,” said Eli Beer, President and Founder of United Hatzalah. “Not only did everyone have an amazing time, but by doing so they allowed us to continue to equip and train our volunteers to allow the fastest and free emergency medical response throughout Israel when it’s more needed than ever.”
