An Evening honoring Elie Tahari, Tovah Feldshuh & Ambassador Ofir Akunis

Hatzalah YS, Israel’s Rescuers, will be Hosting a High-Profile Gala at the Museum of Jewish Heritage on May 11th, 2026 Honoring Elie Tahari and Tovah Feldshuh. Elie Tahari is a renowned Israeli-American fashion designer and entrepreneur who built a billion-dollar fashion empire after moving to New York in 1971 with less than $100. He is the founder of his eponymous luxury label, Elie Tahari, and a co-founder of the popular brand Theory. The brand is celebrated for its sophisticated ready-to-wear collections, particularly its tailoring and workwear. Tovah Feldshuh (born December 27, 1948) is an American actress, singer, and playwright. She has been a Broadway star for fifty years, earning four Tony Award nominations. A six-time Emmy and Tony Award nominee, she is one of Broadway’s most enduring stars, recognized for her transformative portrayals of powerful women.

In a moment of heightened global instability and urgent humanitarian need, Hatzalah YS Rescuers Without Borders will host its Gala on May 11th, 2026, at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, convening an influential gathering of philanthropists, community leaders, and prominent figures from the Jewish and international communities. The evening will feature a prestigious Humanitarian Award ceremony honoring internationally acclaimed fashion designer Elie Tahari and celebrated actress Tovah Feldshuh. Both honorees are recognized for their exceptional contributions to their respective fields and their enduring commitment to philanthropy, cultural leadership, and humanitarian values. As tensions escalate across the Middle East, including the ongoing threat environment linked to Iran and its regional proxies, the need for rapid-response, life-saving medical intervention has never been more critical. Hatzalah YS teams are actively operating on the front lines, providing emergency care to civilians under fire, supporting vulnerable populations, and delivering aid in areas where infrastructure is strained or inaccessible.

Founded in 2000, Hatzalah YS Rescuers Without Borders is recognized for its elite network of volunteer medics who respond within seconds to emergencies, often in the most dangerous and underserved regions. The organization has become a vital lifeline for thousands of individuals affected by conflict and crisis. In addition to emergency response, Hatzalah has developed a pioneering mobile animal-assisted therapy program designed to address trauma among children and families living under constant threat. Through specially designed traveling therapy farms, the initiative delivers emotional relief and psychological support directly to affected communities—bringing moments of healing in environments marked by fear and uncertainty.

The May 11th Gala will offer an exceptional and meaningful evening, including: A refined reception, an elegant seated dinner, a Humanitarian Award ceremony honoring Elie Tahari and Tovah Feldshuh, Exclusive insights into Hatzalah’s frontline missions and innovations and special curated moments throughout the evening. Set within one of New York’s most symbolic cultural institutions, the gala is expected to attract high-level guests from philanthropy, business, diplomacy, and the arts—reflecting the growing international recognition of Hatzalah’s mission. “This is not just a gala, it is a call to action,” said Arie Levy, co-founder of Hatzalah. “At a time when civilians are facing unprecedented threats, our teams are saving lives every day. But we cannot do it without the support of those who understand that humanitarian response must be immediate, professional, and unwavering.”

Proceeds from the evening will directly support the Emergency medical response operations in high-risk zones, the Expansion of rapid-response units, the Development of the mobile animal-assisted therapy program and the Equipment, training, and volunteer deployment As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States, all contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available and expected to sell out. For tickets and event details: hatzalahnyc.eventbrite.com and to support Hatzalah’s life-saving mission: en.hatzalah.org.il