Gavriel “Gavy” Friedson serves as Director of International Emergency Management at United Hatzalah of Israel while married to Fox News contributor Katie Pavlich. Born December 30, 1988, in Boca Raton, Florida, this American-Israeli emergency responder has completed over 9,000 emergency responses throughout his career. His journey from teenage volunteer to global disaster management leader spans nearly two decades of public service.
Gavy Friedson Bio/Wiki
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Gavriel “Gavy” Friedson |
| Birth Date | December 30, 1988 |
| Birthplace | Boca Raton, Florida |
| Height | 5’8″ (173 cm) |
| Weight | 181 lbs (82 kg) |
| Spouse | Katie Pavlich (married July 5, 2017) |
| Current Role | Director of International Emergency Management, United Hatzalah |
| Education | MPH in Crisis Management (Tel Aviv University, 2015) |
| Emergency Responses | Over 9,000 |
| Residence | Washington, D.C. |
Gavy Friedson Personal Background and Early Life
Gavy Friedson lived in Boca Raton, Florida until age ten when his family relocated to Israel. This move exposed him to a region where emergency situations occur regularly, shaping his future career path. The cultural transition from Florida to the Middle East would prove formative for his professional development.
At age 14, Friedson witnessed a bus bombing outside the Cloud Building on Yafo Street in Jerusalem, an experience he has described as pivotal in motivating his dedication to emergency response (Interview with United Hatzalah). This event inspired his dedication to emergency medical services rather than deterring him from crisis situations. His family’s military heritage also influenced his service mindset – his grandfather served as a medic with the U.S. Army during WWII and helped liberate Dachau concentration camp in Germany.
Education and Academic Credentials
Friedson earned his Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya (known as Reichman University) in Israel, completing studies in 2014. He then pursued a Master of Public Health degree specializing in Crisis, Emergency, and Disaster Management from Tel Aviv University, finishing in 2015 (LinkedIn).
His educational choices demonstrate strategic planning for his chosen field. The communication background supports his international spokesperson roles while the specialized emergency management degree provides theoretical framework for his practical experience. This combination positions him uniquely in international humanitarian work.
Gavy Friedson Career Development and Professional Journey
Friedson’s career began at age 15 when he started volunteering as an EMT with United Hatzalah in 2006. His progression shows consistent growth:
- 2008-2016: EMT, First Responder, and International Spokesperson
- 2016-2020: Deputy Director of International Operations
- 2020-present: Director of International Emergency Management and Global Ambassador
His military service with the Israel Defense Forces from 2007 to 2010 included infantry duty and spokesman roles. As confirmed by STL Jewish Light, he also worked as a first responder with Magen David Adom (2004-2009) and served as a firefighter with the Jerusalem Fire Department (2005-2007). This broad foundation across multiple emergency disciplines prepared him for international leadership.
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Notable Emergency Response Work
In 2022, Friedson led United Hatzalah’s international relief missions following Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico and Hurricane Ian in Florida (Israel News, Oct 2022). His approach addresses both immediate needs and long-term community recovery. Writing about his Puerto Rico mission, Friedson stated: “We intervened in poor communities that had yet to receive any outside assistance in the wake of the devastating destruction of the hurricane. We went from house to house, distributing food and humanitarian aid to families, treating them psychologically, and providing them with basic medical care” (Friedson’s 2022 hurricane relief mission writings).
In August 2017, while lecturing in Wyoming, Friedson assisted with a medical emergency on a flight, helping stabilize a 10-year-old boy experiencing seizures (EMS News, 2017). He also responded to Hurricane Irma in South Florida in 2017.
Gavy Friedson Marriage and Personal Life
Friedson married Fox News contributor Katie Pavlich on July 5, 2017, in a private ceremony at the Grand Canyon (Mandatory). Pavlich, born July 10, 1988, is a conservative commentator and author of bestselling books including “Fast and Furious: Barack Obama’s Bloodiest Scandal and Its Shameless Cover-Up.” The couple resides in Washington, D.C. and shares a love for outdoor adventures.
Their anniversary traditions include skydiving at Skydive Suffolk and travel to Croatia. They own a dog named Gadsden who accompanies them on trips. As of 2025, they do not have children but maintain a strong eight-year marriage.
Professional Philosophy and Methodology
Friedson’s disaster response philosophy emphasizes community empowerment alongside immediate relief. He focuses on “showing the people affected that they are not alone and that they can regain control of their own situation” (2022 hurricane relief mission writings). This approach combines traditional emergency medical response with psychological first aid concepts.
His methodology includes training volunteers in both technical skills and emotional support techniques. Friedson develops volunteer training programs that can be implemented globally, expanding United Hatzalah’s impact beyond Israel. His work emphasizes building local capacity rather than creating dependency on outside assistance.
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Gavy Friedson Financial Challenges and Resilience
Reports from late 2024 indicated Friedson faced financial difficulties including foreclosure of a $1.2 million Los Angeles property due to investment losses. The property failed to sell at the intended $900,000 price point. Monthly income of approximately $2,800 could not cover expenses of around $16,200 (Brandon Restaurant).
Despite these personal challenges, Friedson continued his professional responsibilities without interruption. His commitment to humanitarian work remained steady throughout the financial crisis, demonstrating dedication to his mission regardless of personal circumstances.
Current Role and Global Impact
As Director of International Emergency Management for United Hatzalah, Friedson coordinates response strategies worldwide and collaborates with governments and international agencies. His work has expanded the organization’s reach beyond Israel to provide assistance during major disasters across multiple continents.
His experience spans hurricane relief in Puerto Rico and Florida, training programs in multiple countries, and development of new protocols for psychological support during disasters. Friedson continues developing international partnerships that improve global disaster preparedness.
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FAQ’s About Gavy Friedson
How did Gavy Friedson start his emergency response career?
Friedson began volunteering as an EMT with United Hatzalah at age 15 in 2006, inspired by witnessing a bus bombing in Jerusalem at age 14.
What is Gavy Friedson’s educational background?
He holds a Bachelor’s in Communication and Media Studies from Reichman University (2014) and a Master of Public Health in Crisis, Emergency, and Disaster Management from Tel Aviv University (2015).
How many emergency calls has Gavy Friedson responded to?
Friedson has completed over 9,000 emergency responses throughout his career, with some sources citing up to 10,000 responses (FDD).
What major disasters has Gavy Friedson responded to?
Recent missions include Hurricane Fiona relief in Puerto Rico and Hurricane Ian in Florida (both 2022), plus Hurricane Irma in South Florida (2017).
Do Gavy Friedson and Katie Pavlich have children?
As of 2025, the couple does not have children. They have been married for eight years and reside in Washington, D.C..
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