Three months ago, Aharon Rapaport (42) was enjoying a relaxing night out with his family at the Ashdod Marina when he suddenly suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed.

United Hatzalah volunteer EMT Shlomi Harush witnessed Rapaport collapse at the marina and immediately sprang into action. He grabbed his communications device and notified United Hatzalah Dispatch of the active incident while rushing over to help. 

Verifying that the patient had no pulse and wasn’t breathing, Harush attached a defibrillator and began administering CPR. Within moments, United Hatzalah volunteer EMTs Yanki Weinberg and Aharon Nogrian arrived and assisted Harush. 

Working together, the team administered the critical life-saving medical treatment required to save Rapaport’s life, together with other volunteers who arrived afterward. 

Thankfully, due to their efforts, Rapaport’s pulse was restored, and he was transported to the hospital for further treatment, ultimately making a full recovery. 

This week, in an emotional reunion, Rapaport met with the United Hatzalah volunteers who were instrumental in saving his life. “I have immense gratitude for each and every one of these amazing volunteers,” said Rapaport. 

“I don’t want to imagine what would have happened to my family and children if I didn’t survive,” added Rapaport. “I understand that not everyone regains full functionality after suffering from cardiac arrest, but I was fortunate that God helped me through his blessed messengers at United Hatzalah.”

Harush, Weinberg, and Nograin, reflecting on the incident, told Rapaport: “Seeing you alive and thriving just three months later fills us with joy and reinforces the very purpose of our volunteer work at United Hatzalah: to save lives and make a difference. We are deeply grateful to stand here today with you and alongside our fellow United Hatzalah volunteers—Zvi Fonfeder, Israel Tzarfati, and Moti Lazar—who played a vital role in the resuscitation efforts to give you a second chance at life.”