United Hatzalah of Israel will convene American Jewish community leaders, philanthropists, and supporters for its annual Miami Gala Dinner on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry. The event will spotlight the organization’s mission to deliver free, rapid, and professional emergency first-response care to anyone in Israel, regardless of background, religion, or location.
The organization will present the Protectors of Israel Award to former Mossad Director Yossi Cohen and former US Secretary of State and CIA Director Mike Pompeo. Cohen and Pompeo will engage with the audience in a panel discussion entitled “How Spycraft changed the Middle East,” moderated by journalist and renowned author Katie Pavlich.
Bar Kuperstein, the recently released Israeli hostage who was captured by Hamas terrorists at the Nova Music Festival while providing care to concertgoers, will be presented with United Hatzalah’s Greenberg Traurig Courage Award for his heroism, dedication, and service to fellow Israelis as exemplified on October 7.
“Honoring Yossi Cohen and Mike Pompeo at this year’s Miami Gala is not only appropriate – it is essential given the geo-political climate we are living in,” stated Founder and President of United Hatzalah Eli Beer. “Yossi Cohen has defended Israel and the global Jewish community in various positions in the Mossad and was a key player in masterminding the 2024 Lebanon beeper attacks, known as ‘Operation Grim Beeper.’ Both Mike Pompeo and Yossi Cohen have dedicated themselves to defending Israel’s right to exist and protect itself, and their connection with United Hatzalah reflects a shared commitment to saving lives.”
Additionally, this year’s Guests of Honor, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Mount Sinai Medical Center and United Hatzalah benefactors, Barry and Missy Skolnick, will receive the organization’s Humanitarian Award for their longstanding support in strengthening United Hatzalah’s capacity to expand its lifesaving network.
“This event is a critical way for the American Jewish community to unite around the organization’s lifesaving efforts,” reflected Beer.
Funds raised during the event will advance United Hatzalah’s goal of reaching the scene of any emergency in Israel within 90 seconds and enhancing its fleet of emergency response vehicles, including ambucycles, ambucars, and the newly announced ambuscooter, all specially equipped for rapid response and emergency medical treatment.