A routine morning prayer at a synagogue in Kiryat Malachi turned within moments into a fight for the life of one of the worshippers.
A month and a half later, the story that began with a collapse and CPR efforts ended with an emotional meeting between Roni Nakash and paramedic Alandiv Tam - who worked to save his life.
Nakash collapsed during the prayer after suffering a cardiac arrest. Tam, a volunteer paramedic with Ihud Hatzalah, was also praying in the same synagogue at the time. He noticed what was happening and jumped towards him.
In the footage from the synagogue's security cameras, Tam is seen pulling out the walkie-talkie and calling emergency services - then beginning CPR, using the organization's defibrillator.
Minutes later, additional volunteers arrived at the synagogue, and the teams continued the resuscitation operations together.
Nakash's heart started beating again, he regained full consciousness and even began to talk to the paramedics who were treating him, and was then taken to the hospital in stable condition.
There is no doubt that Allendiv's quick response, recognizing the collapse, initiating immediate resuscitation efforts, and quickly using a defibrillator were critical to saving his life.
But the meeting between the two at the synagogue was not the last. Last week, a month and a half after the event, Tam married his son, and among the guests was a man who had come especially to surprise him - Roni Nakash.
This time, Nakash arrived at the medic on his feet. He asked to meet Tam and thank him.
The meeting between the two was particularly moving. For Allendiv, it was a powerful reminder that behind every call and every CPR operation is a person, a family, and an entire life.
Roni Nakash (right) and in the middle, United Hatzalah medic Alandiv Tam. Photo: United Hatzalah
And for Ronnie – it was an opportunity to say thank you to the person who, at that fateful moment, was simply there, recognized what was happening, acted quickly, and simply gave him another chance at life.
The video from the security cameras, courtesy of the synagogue, documents the dramatic moments when Allendiv recognizes the collapse, runs towards Roni and immediately begins actions to save his life.
