Shortly after I published my article questioning Eli Beer’s extraordinary claim that United Hatzalah volunteers had “caught or killed” more than 100 terrorists on October 7, I received a direct Instagram message from Laura Schwartz, United Hatzalah’s Global Ambassador. At 9:44 a.m. her words were blunt: “You don’t deserve to be Jewish. You’re hurting Jewish people. You’re an absolute disgrace.”
Schwartz isn’t just another critic online. United Hatzalah itself has showcased her on its social media as its Global Ambassador, leading high-profile fundraising events in Tel Aviv that raised nearly 200,000 NIS. Her personal social media includes photos with current U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee as well as with United Hatzalah 1221’s CEO, Eli Pollak. Pollak himself published an essay in the Jerusalem Post on January 15, 2024, claiming that United Hatzalah was “the only medical service on the ground” on October 7. That claim erases the sacrifice of Magen David Adom medics who were killed while saving lives under fire.
That a senior representative of United Hatzalah would respond to scrutiny by questioning my Jewish identity says a lot about the organization’s approach. Instead of addressing factual concerns or offering evidence, a high-ranking ambassador lashed out in personal terms. This is part of a larger pattern where, when faced with uncomfortable questions, United Hatzalah leaders resort to attacks rather than transparency.
Donors and supporters deserve better. An organization that presents itself as a pillar of lifesaving should meet questions with facts, not insults.
What a disgraceful response from them.