American Friends of Magen David Adom

Shabbat Shalom to Ophri, who is all ready for Shabbat and matching with her EMT dad's rescue vehicle. Sending blessings and warm thoughts to the Magen David Adom family.

See you at the IAC Summit for a special session with Magen David Adom's Uri Shacham!

We are honored that Israel’s outgoing Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan has been named global president of Magen David Adom. In this role, he will promote the emergency medical and blood services activities of the organization and represent it on the international stage, as well as advocate on behalf of MDA at international forums and other global events. “The State of Israel is facing unprecedented challenges, and this puts millions of Israeli citizens in imminent danger," said Erdan. "The immediate result of a better prepared Magen David Adom is even greater protection for the citizens of Israel." “We are honored and excited to welcome Ambassador Erdan to this key role,” said Catherine Reed, CEO of AFMDA. “His vast experience as an advocate for Israel will be critical in promoting MDA’s lifesaving work.”

Naram Zeid, a heroic Arab-Israeli Magen David Adom paramedic, offers her thoughts on saving lives in Israel during the toughest of times. Thank you, Naram! You are in inspiration

Six precious individuals, taken hostage during the October 7 terror attacks, have been murdered by Hamas while in captivity. Our profound condolences to the families of: Ori Danino z”l Carmel Gat z”l Hersh Goldberg-Polin z”l Alex Lubnov z”l Almog Sarusi z”l Edan Yerushalmi z”l We think of their loved ones today, and we are aware of the monumental loss to us all. We will never forget them. May their memories be a blessing.

The National Board and staff of American Friends of Magen David Adom mourn the passing of Cherna Moskowitz A”H, a profound and visionary philanthropist and the widow of Irving Moskowitz A’H. Cherna has long been recognized for her major contributions to the Jewish world, especially her support for educational, health, and welfare institutions in Israel. A dedicated and long-standing supporter of Magen David Adom, she generously donated lifesaving vehicles, and made multiple important gifts to MDA’s Marcus National Blood Center. Thanks to her generosity, countless lives have been saved through the work of Magen David Adom. Her compassion and caring spirit continue to be an inspiration to us all. One of Mrs. Moskowitz' cherished roles was that of grandmother to Adi Ben-Ezra, a valued professional at AFMDA. Adi’s dedication to AFMDA follows in the tradition of her grandmother’s deep and abiding love for Israel and the Jewish people. As Adi so beautifully shared, “It’s an honor to carry your name, and with that, a profound responsibility to uphold the strong Jewish and Zionist foundation you and Grandpa built for us." Mark Lebow, Chairman of the Board Catherine Reed, CEO

It's almost here! Will you join us at the AFMDA NYC Gala 2024 at Cipriani with host Debra Messing, honoree Nate Buzz, and special guest Noa Cochva, plus a special tribute to Mike Bloomberg? At a time of real need in Israel, let's come together on 9/18 for our heroic paramedics and EMTs. To register: https://lnkd.in/eG_jANh5

Shabbat Shalom to these dedicated MDA medics in Jerusalem. Sending our wishes for a safe and peaceful weekend!

Last week over 300 people came together at the Chabad in Cherry Hill, NJ for an inspiring event supporting Magen David Adom. Hosted by Meir Rozalis, it attracted new and old friends, including many who helped sponsor two ambulances through the Jewish Federation of Southern Jersey. Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of a Hamas founder who became a key intelligence operative, shared his insights in a discussion with former Deputy Consul General Israel Nitzan. Chevra Hatzalah of the US paramedic Michael Strongin, who flew to Israel to volunteer with Magen David Adom after October 7, spoke of his experiences. Other speakers discussed MDA’s response to escalating violence in Israel and led communal prayers for the hostages. Warm thanks goes to all those who helped make the event a success, raising crucial funds for MDA at a time when they are truly needed. Photos: @tint.paint.your.event

To help expectant mothers prepare for an emergency birth at home in the event of a war with Hezbollah, a volunteer project in the Western Galilee and the Golan Heights called First Contractions was begun in April. It matches expectant mothers with volunteer midwives who live near them. Sponsored by Magen David Adom (MDA), the Israel Midwives Organization, and the Jewish Federations of North America, First Contractions has enrolled 60 midwives, among them Jews, Arabs, and Druze, reflecting the diverse character of the Western Galilee and the Golan Heights. The MDA dispatch system has all the midwives’ contact information so that they can be dispatched to help with births at home. The midwives also received first aid kits, including hand-held Doppler u Ragda Faris Rabah, a midwife at Galilee Medical Center and a resident of the Druze village of Kisra-Sumei in Western Galilee, has been paired with six women in her geographical area. “The situation in the north is getting more and more dangerous,” Rabah told The Times of Israel. “During war, you can postpone weddings and trips, but you can’t postpone birth.” Read the article in 'The Times of Israel," here: https://lnkd.in/dXTtHPJb