Temple Jeremiah is part of a special partnership of nine local Reform congregations to raise money to provide Magen David Adom (MDA) and the people of Israel with a new Life Support ambulance in honor of Israel’s 75th anniversary.
MDA is Israel’s national emergency medical service, provider of the blood supply, and the nation’s representative to the International Red Cross. As a non-governmental organization, it relies on donations to sustain its ability to respond to urgent medical needs throughout Israel, as well as lend support for international crises. It provided medics and ambulances to assist in war-torn Ukraine and was part of the relief team in the aftermath of the earthquake in 2010 in Haiti.
The multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and multi-gender MDA crews of drivers and EMTs reflect the diversity of the modern State of Israel. Jews, Muslims, and Christians serve side-by-side as they respond to critical emergencies. From delivering babies to responding to acts of terror, Magen David Adom is always there to help.
MDA also provides training to Jewish institutions worldwide. In fact, the Temple Jeremiah staff received MDA training this past September called “The First 7 Minutes,” designed to teach participants how to medically manage a scene in the immediate aftermath of a mass casualty situation.
Our congregation is raising funds as part of this joint effort. The Life Support ambulance will bear the names of all the participating congregations, including Temple Jeremiah’s, thereby strengthening our connection with Israel. If you have the ability and wish to contribute $10,000, you will also be offered the opportunity for your family name to be inscribed on the ambulance.
Whether you can help with $36; $360; $3,600; or any dollar amount, we hope you will consider participating in this effort. To contribute, please mail a check payable to the synagogue with MDA in the memo or look for the MDA ambulance option on our drop-down menu on our donations page on our website. Of course, feel free to contact Leslie Landman, Director of Philanthropy; Jennifer Schnepper, from American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA) and fellow-congregant; or Rabbi Cohen with questions.
This community partnership is ending on December 31st.