United Hatzalah Volunteer EMT Gavy Friedson with Mayim Bialik during a Q&A. Courtesy of Oded Sharoni Hollywood and comedy icons Mayim Bialik and Iliza Shlesinger co-hosted a private event to raise awareness and funds for United Hatzalah of Israel. The benefit in Pacific Palisades was hosted by David Schiff and Assia Grazioli-Venier, with special guest speaker Hen Mazzig.
The hosts brought out their friends from all sides of Hollywood, packing the night with some of the most philanthropic stars, including Brett Gelman, Chelsea Handler and Yael Grobglas. The event drew more than 100 supporters who came to hear volunteer EMT Gavy Friedson speak during a Q&A and support the organization.
Through a silent auction, this intimate event raised more than $100,000 for United Hatzalah to go towards lifesaving medical equipment and supplies.
“What I have gotten out of doing this event with these people and these women is, for the first time in my life, a sense of Jewish community,” Shlesinger, discussing her pride in the event and supporting United Hatzalah, said.
United Hatzalah has over 7,000 volunteer EMTs, medics, paramedics and doctors who respond to medical emergencies in 90 seconds or less throughout Israel. Their services are available free to all people regardless of race, religion, or national origin. United Hatzalah volunteers were the first responders on the scene of the Hamas terror attack on October 7th and treated over 4,000 terror victims.
“It was a privilege to collaborate with Mayim and Iliza for this event,” Rivky Meyer, United Hatzalah’s Florida regional development officer, said. “They are exceptional women who have been strong advocates for the Jewish community and Israel, even in challenging times when being at the forefront is no simple task. We are so grateful for the support they have shown to United Hatzalah and our volunteer medics.”
On Jan. 16, the Israel Bonds Western Region held an event for its platinum society members which featured influential guest speakers in the diplomatic and financial arenas.
The attendees first heard from Israel Bonds Los Angeles Executive Director Erez Goldman. Goldman’s address included the importance of the Jewish people standing united against all evil.
Guest speaker Amit Mekel, deputy consul of Israel to the Pacific Southwest, was recognized for being the first non-Jewish diplomat. Mekel is a part of the Druze community and spoke on the importance of allies standing in solidarity with Israel.
Scott Beiser, CEO of Houlihan Lokey and member of the national advisory council of Israel Bonds, interviewe, founding partner of Group 11, which is a venture capital company that invests in fintech and Israeli-based technology. During the interview Scott and Dovi discussed strategies of investing in Israeli technology and went over statistics proved that per capita, Israel has great success in technology. They also addressed the crowd regarding the current war in Israel and how it has affected these sectors.
Development Corporation for Israel (known as Israel Bonds) and its affiliates around the world have generated over $50 billion in investments since it was founded 72 years ago. Israel Bonds serve a symbolic connection with Israel and the people of Israel for Jews worldwide.
Los Angeles resident Chloe Levian (right) addresses participants for Momentum on the Road, a series of events that provide resources to mothers from local Jewish communities enabling them to understand the situation on the ground in Israel. Levian is the senior campus regional manager at pro-Israel group StandWithUs. There were approximately 160 attendees at the event.
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