Roni Shitrit, za"l, was tragically murdered at the Nova Festival on October 7, 2023. An ambulance and a smart AED station were dedicated in her memory in an inauguration ceremony in Emer Hefer on Thursday, December 26, 2024 (25 Kislev 5785).
Roni’s family, residing in the United States, sought a special way to commemorate her and chose to dedicate a Magen David Adom ambulance in her memory. Together with the Friends of MDA Associations in Israel and the U.S., Roni's parents initiated a memorial campaign, reaching out to Roni’s loved ones and supporters both in Israel and abroad. They successfully raised funds for an ambulance and a smart AED station, both dedicated in her name.
Roni's family decided to strengthen the MDA station at Emek Hefer by providing an additional ambulance to offer immediate life-saving responses. This donation significantly enhances the resilience and preparedness at Emek Hefer and the surrounding area providing support to the MDA teams in their mission of saving lives.
The smart defibrillator station was placed at the family’s printing business, serving as a vital tool for emergencies. Both contributions aim to save lives while honoring Roni’s legacy.
The dedication ceremony was attended by Galit Shaul, head of the Emek Hefer Regional Council; Yair Batito, head of the Emek Hefer Religious Council; Yuval Lavi, Chairman of the Beit Yitzhak local council; Nahum Shir, Rabbi of Moshav Beit Yitzhak; Yossi Rokach, MDA Sharon District Director; Orly Ariel, CEO of MDA Friends in Israel; Roni’s loved ones and acquaintances, and other distinguished guests.
Singer Liran Danino, whom Roni greatly admired, was present at the event. Roni’s parents chose to inscribe a line from his song, “So Much of You Remains,” on the ambulance and the defibrillator station.
From the Ceremony:
Galit Shaul, Head of Emek Hefer Regional Council:
“Roni was a child of Emek Hefer, deeply connected to its values and community. While her life was tragically cut short, this ambulance, traveling through the paths of the valley, will save lives and keep her memory alive. This donation gives us hope and strengthens MDA, our community, and us as individuals. The Shitrit family chose to share their pain and hope with us, honoring Roni’s legacy by saving lives.”
Orly Ariel, CEO of Israeli Friends of MDA:
“The family approached me with a heartfelt request to memorialize Roni’s zest for life. Through the dedication of this ambulance and the smart defibrillator station, her memory will resonate in the hearts of many whose lives will be saved by these life-saving tools.”
Rafi Sheva, MDA Deputy Medical Director at Sharon District:
“We would like to express our deepest gratitude for your donation. Thanks to you, Roni’s light will continue to shine upon us. The ambulance you donated will save many lives, in critical moments will offer hope and even help bring new lives into the world. The smart Automatic Defibrillator stations have proven to be a vital life-saving device and will continue to honor Ronnie's memory and leave a significant mark on the community. Thank you again for your donation. I give you my word that the equipment you purchased will save lives continue Ronnie's legacy."
Magen David Adom and Israeli Friends of MDA wish to express their deepest gratitude to the Shitrit -Shalev family for their significant contribution to saving lives in the Emek Hefer region in Roni’s memory. This meaningful act of remembrance will be preserved for many years to come.