Rabbi Hershel Weber Honored for Lifetime of Service at Williamsburg Celebration

By Williamsburg 365 Staff

Williamsburg's UJO and elected officials gathered this week to honor Rabbi Hershel Weber, a lifelong Williamsburg resident and the founder of Hatzalah, during a moving celebration recognizing his decades of public service and lifesaving impact.

Council Member Lincoln Restler joined the event to commemorate Rabbi Weber’s accomplishments, highlighting his founding of Hatzalah in 1965. What began as a small volunteer emergency medical service has since grown into an international organization operating in more than 17 countries, providing rapid, culturally sensitive emergency care and saving countless lives around the world.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to public health and community safety, Rabbi Weber was presented with an official proclamation from the New York City Council. Speakers at the event praised his vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to helping others, noting that Hatzalah has become a model for volunteer emergency response organizations globally.

Community members described Rabbi Weber’s legacy as one rooted in compassion, responsibility, and action, emphasizing that his work continues to inspire new generations of volunteers in Williamsburg and beyond.