American Friends of Magen David Adom

Thank you for this beautiful article, N. Aaron Troodler

We remain hopeful that today’s ceasefire will mark the beginning of lasting peace in northern Israel and pave the way for broader agreements that benefit the entire region. Despite this progress, Magen David Adom remains on high alert during this particularly volatile time. Ensuring the safety and well-being of all Israel’s citizens is our utmost priority. Our teams are on standby 24/7, prepared to respond swiftly to any emergency and provide essential care to every community in need.While we stand ready to act, we continue to fervently hope for enduring calm. Photo: Eliran Avital

It was an honor to support American Friends of Magen David Adom and meet the incredibly talented (and funny) Lior Raz. What an incredible organization.

Philadelphia was the scene of an AFMDA gala on Thursday, which raised some $1 million for medics saving lives on the frontlines in Israel. Ambassador Gilad Erdan, Magen David Adom in Israel global president, gave a stirring speech about the multi-front challenges being faced by Israel and the hope represented by "a generation of lions defending our homeland." Broadcaster Emily Austin hosted and moderated a discussion with Lior Raz, co-creator and star of "Fauda." Several representatives from MDA in Israel were there including paramedic Hilel Jonathan Jolodenco. He described staying at the Sderot station full-time for 60 days after October 7th, eating, sleeping and saving lives. “I think I just got used to it—the ‘emergency normality."

Shabbat Shalom to this MDA medic enjoying a minute with the little miracle he just helped deliver. At a time of so much pain and loss, it's important to remember that there are also days like this.

On Sunday, "Fauda" actor and co-creator Lior Raz was the special guest at an evening benefiting Magen David Adom at Austin's Dell Jewish Community Center. Some 185 people joined and raised an impressive $160,000 to help Israel's medics who are saving lives as they face daily attacks. Rabbi Daniel Septimus, CEO of Shalom Austin, moderated the discussion as Lior entertained, inspired and energized the crowd, making a strong statement about how important it is to be proud to be Jewish and stand with Israel. Other highlights included a stirring rendition of Hatikvah by Lia Nevipur and remarks by Rabbi Gail Swedroe of Congregation Agudas Achim. Sophie Sorkin, a former MDA Overseas Volunteer from Houston, spoke about her recent experiences treating patients in Israel. Thank you to Lior and to all who made the evening so special. Your generosity is saving lives!

Ambassador Gilad Erdan was the featured speaker at the Hatzalah Global Expo, held Sunday in Edison, New Jersey. He spoke passionately about Magen David Adom's role in the State of Israel and the special relationship between MDA and Chevra Hatzalah in the US. Ambassador Erdan conferred with many lifesaving leaders and medics, including Eli Rowe, founder and president of Hatzolah Air. Hatzolah Air is MDA's partner in providing Medevac service to quickly transport injured people to hospitals.

Shabbat Shalom to the doctors of Magen David Adom's international unit, who are cheering on the Israeli national team at the Nations League soccer game in Paris.

Shabbat Shalom to these doctors and other medical professionals from the international unit of Magen David Adom who rushed to the hospital and hotels in Amsterdam to help meet the medical needs of the injured Israelis who were attacked Thursday night by a local mob. Thank you to these medical pros and to MDA for providing help beyond Israel's borders when needed!

After Israeli soccer fans came under attack by anti-Israel rioters in Amsterdam Thursday night, a medical team from Magen David Adom is flying on a special El Al airlines flight to assist in the rescue efforts in Amsterdam. According to?The Times of Israel, Dutch security forces appeared helpless to protect the tourists as they were ambushed by gangs of masked assailants Thursday night. The attackers shouted Palestinian slogans as they hunted, beat and harassed the Israelis, resulting in 10 citizens injured. Hundreds of Israelis hid in their hotels for hours. After the cancellation of a planned government rescue mission, Magen David Adom Director-General Eli Bin held an urgent assessment with authorities in Israel. Further conversations with EL AL Israel Airlines?led to a decision to fly MDA paramedics and medical personnel on a special flight to assist the injured Israelis. In addition, a delegation of doctors from MDA's International Unit in Europe headed to the hospital in Amsterdam to support the injured. "The incident in Amsterdam is severe and shocking. Immediately after receiving the information, I held a situation assessment and decided to send our leading medical teams as part of the rescue mission. MDA, as Israel's national rescue organization, is ready to assist any Israeli citizen, anywhere in the world. Special thanks to El Al for their cooperation and assistance in this complex and important mission,” said MDA Director-General Eli Bin. "El Al is proud to cooperate with Magen David Adom and serve as a crucial anchor in the rescue operation and provision of medical services to Israelis in Amsterdam. It is both our privilege and our duty,” said El Al CEO Dina Ben-Tal Ganancia."