On October 7, Israeli emergency service Magen David Adom was put to the ultimate test. On news that thousands of terrorists had invaded from Gaza, its teams immediately headed towards the eye of the storm.
Thanks to their incredible bravery, many civilians were saved – but dozens of emergency workers paid for their heroism with their lives.
To mark the first anniversary of October 7 and the extraordinary actions of MDA first responders, the JC is asking its readers to help pay for a new motorbike for the medical service.
The campaign seeks to raise the £35,000 needed to buy the bike, which will be used to deliver blood and other emergency services to every corner of Israel.
Thirty-three MDA volunteers and emergency medical technicians were murdered during Hamas’ rampage of terror through southern Israel on October 7, most killed while coming to the aid of the wounded.There are currently about 600 high-tech MDA motorbikes in active service in Israel, which allow volunteer medics to manoeuvre in between traffic jams and across rough terrain to reach incidents within minutes.
2BWEWM1 An Israeli civilian is taken to a hospital by paramedics of MDA Magen David Adom emergency medical service after a residential building sustained a direct hit from a Hezbollah Grad rocket in Bat Galim neighborhood the city of Haifa during Israel - Hezbollah warAlamy Stock Photo
The bikes make it possible for the medics to stabilise casualties quickly and prepare them for the arrival of an ambulance to take them to the nearest hospital.
In addition to specialised medical equipment, they are equipped with an emergency PA system, a radio, cameras, a defibrillator, tablet devices and a GPS system.
Demonstrating the impact British donations can make, an ambulance funded by UK donors helped save the life of Bedouin hostage Qaid Farhan Alkadi, 52, last week.
After 326 days in captivity, Qaid was taken to Soroka hospital in Be’er Sheva in an MDA mobile intensive care unit that had been funded by a group of 20 hikers from the UK who, in 2018, trekked more than 70km across Israel to raise £100,000 for the country’s medical service.
The JC is asking its readers to give generously: this is one piece of equipment that is bound to save lives in the future. Highlighting the campaign’s importance, JC editor Jake Wallis Simons said: “Magen David Adom is a charity which is, quite literally, vital to the survival of Israel. The heroism of its workers is extraordinary, and we continue to be inspired by stories of MDA medics who put themselves in harm’s way to save lives on October 7, with some among them tragically murdered.
“We are honoured to be raising money for an MDA motorbike, which will be used to save more lives, and we really hope our readers will rally behind this cause.”
MDA UK chief executive Daniel Burger welcomed the fundraising drive, saying: “Given the age and stature of the JC, and the impact it has had over 183 years on Anglo-Jewry, and the fact that Magen David Adom UK is this year marking its own long history with its 75th anniversary, it felt like a natural partnership and synergy between us on this most important of missions.
“We are absolutely thrilled that the JC is crowdfunding to dedicate a bike on the mission, further cementing our working relationship and literally saving lives in the process.”
MDA is responsible for all of Israel’s first-aid training, in addition to providing and maintaining the country’s fleet of more than 1,700 ambulances, medicycles, lifeboats and air ambulances. Since the start of Operation Iron Swords, MDA UK has helped to purchase around 84 vehicles for the charity, including 27 ambulances and motorbikes and 800 training sessions for medics.
To donate, visit: justgiving.com/campaign/jcmotorbike or use the QR code below
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