Effi Gadassi
Effi GadassiCourtesy of United Hatzalah

Efraim Gadassi, a volunteer paramedic for United Hatzalah, was killed early Friday morning while responding to an emergency call in Jerusalem.

Gadassi, a member of the United Hatzalah Ambucycle Unit, was critically injured in a car accident around 3:30 Friday morning on Menashe Ben Yisrael Street in Jerusalem as he made his way to the scene of a medical emergency.

Emergency medical teams were dispatched to the scene of the accident and evacuated Gadasi to Shaarei Tzedek Hospital while attempting to stabilize his condition on the way.

Despite the efforts of Shaarei Tzedek doctors, Gadassi was declared dead after he was brought to the hospital.

“On Menashe Ben Yisrael Street overnight a car accident occurred between a taxi and a motorcycle,” police said in a statement. “At some point, apparently, the driver of the bike lost control, slipped into another lane, and collided into an oncoming taxi. The driver of the bike was evacuated by MDA in critical condition to Shaarei Tzedek, where he was declared dead. The driver of the taxi has been detained for questioning”

Gadassi is survived by his wife and three children.

In a statement released Friday, United Hatzalah described Gadassi as a “very active volunteer” in the organization.

“He did so with great dedication in his activities as an EMT, as part of the Ten Kavod project, and hospital ER volunteer. He helped many people and saved many lives. He was a symbol and example of volunteerism for the public at any time. We are saddened beyond words by his passing.”

Gadassi’s funeral procession will begin at Shamgar Street in Jerusalem at 11:00 a.m. and proceed to the Har Hamenuchot cemetery.