Magen David Adom celebrates the past and rededicates itself to the future

Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's national emergency medical service, marked its 96th anniversary this week with special events at its national headquarters in Ramla, bringing together survivors, volunteers, blood donors and first responders whose lives have been intertwined through the organization's lifesaving work.

The celebration came as MDA continues to play a critical role across Israel, responding not only to routine medical emergencies but also to the demands of nearly three years of war, rocket attacks and mass casualty incidents. The anniversary served as both a reflection on the organization's history and a reaffirmation of its mission to provide emergency medical care nationwide.

The event featured reunions between people who were seriously injured and the MDA first responders who saved their lives. Blood donors, volunteers, employees and many others who contribute to the organization's work gathered to celebrate its achievements and recommit themselves to its mission.

Among those recognized was 8-year-old Yosef Cohen from Asael, "whose life was saved after MDA responders quickly recognized that a severe headache was a life-threatening emergency and rushed him to the hospital, where doctors discovered a brain hemorrhage," according to an MDA press release.

Attendees also heard the story of Daniel Suissa of Petah Tikva, who survived cardiac arrest after his neighbor, guided by MDA dispatchers, performed CPR and used a defibrillator before MDA crews arrived.

The celebration also highlighted the contributions of MDA volunteers who have themselves relied on the organization's lifesaving capabilities. One such volunteer was Kobi Hershtal, an MDA volunteer and IDF soldier who was critically wounded during combat operations in Gaza.

According to the press release, "Kobi's life was saved in part through emergency transfusions of whole blood." After months of surgeries and rehabilitation, he attended the event and received a new MDA volunteer uniform and responder kit as he works toward returning to volunteer service.

“A special recognition was awarded to Jeffrey Green, 62, of Beersheba, who recently reached a remarkable milestone by donating his 100th unit of blood. For decades, Green has been a regular blood donor, helping ensure that lifesaving blood products are available for patients, trauma victims, and soldiers across Israel. He continues to donate today and was honored for his longstanding commitment to saving lives through blood donation.”

Part of the event was dedicated to reviewing MDA's history. The organization was founded on June 7, 1930, in Tel Aviv, then the largest Jewish community in the British Mandate of Palestine.

A small group of medical professionals, volunteers and community leaders came together to create a service that would provide first aid to anyone in need. That vision has remained largely unchanged over the decades, even as MDA has grown into a nationwide network staffed primarily by volunteers.

Today, the organization operates hundreds of ambulances, Mobile Intensive Care Units, specially equipped scooters, helicopters and boats that enable responders to reach patients, stabilize them and transport them to hospitals.

MDA's workload has expanded significantly since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. As rockets have struck civilian communities and hundreds of thousands of reservists have been called to military service, the organization has responded to a steady stream of wartime emergencies.

At the same time, routine emergencies have continued uninterrupted. Pregnant women have gone into labor, elderly people have suffered heart attacks, and traffic and workplace accidents have required urgent medical attention. In many cases, MDA volunteers have been the first to arrive and provide assistance.

Reflecting on both the organization's history and its continuing role in responding to emergencies across Israel, MDA Director-General Eli Bin credited the people who have sustained the organization over nearly a century of service.

"For 96 years, Magen David Adom has been built on the dedication of people who choose to help others in their most difficult moments. This anniversary is not only a celebration of our history, but of the patients, volunteers, employees, blood donors, partners, and supporters who make our mission possible every day,” Bin said.

Looking ahead, he emphasized MDA's commitment to continuing its work in the years to come.

“We are proud of what has been accomplished over the past 96 years and remain committed to continuing this lifesaving mission for generations to come."