Australian Friends of Magen David Adom

01/09/2025

Magen David Adom Honours the Memory of
Hostage Idan Shtivi
May His Memory be Blessed

29/08/2025

27/08/2025

This summer, we celebrated the graduation of the 2025 mass-casualty response vehicle (MCRV) courses. Across three inspiring sessions, 778 youth from all over the country learned, practiced, and prepared for the day when lives depend on them.

Leading them were 100 dedicated youth instructors who passed on not only professional skills but also values of teamwork, responsibility, and a deep belief in the power to make a difference.

As they proudly pinned on their MCRV badge today, they joined the front line of lifesaving. These youth remind us that today’s youth are tomorrow’s leadership – and that the future is in good hands.

27/08/2025

A large-scale security drill was held at Sammy Ofer Stadium in Haifa, led by the Israel Police together with Magen David Adom and other security forces.

The drill was designed to ensure operational preparedness ahead of the upcoming soccer season. About 100 MDA EMTs and paramedics participated, along with dozens of ambulances, mobile intensive care units, emergency medicycles, and other specialized vehicles.

MDA teams in the field and at the 101 Emergency Dispatch Center provided full medical response to a simulated mass-casualty scenario with dozens of mock casualties.

As always, MDA is ready to protect lives both on and off the field.

25/08/2025

54 new EMTs join MDA’s volunteer ranks in northern Israel.

Last week, 54 newly trained Emergency Medical Technicians completed their course in the Galilee and officially began volunteering with MDA.

At the graduation ceremony, the new EMTs received advanced medical response kits that will enable them to save lives not only during their shifts on MDA ambulances, but also in their communities when off-duty.

Eli Peretz, MDA’s Asher Region Director, said:
“During the course, the trainees gained professional and practical lifesaving skills, strengthened values of responsibility, giving and dedication, and became an inseparable part of the MDA family in our region. I wish them much success and that they may save many lives.”

24/08/2025

37-year-old Sivan Zohar woke up with frequent contractions. Her husband Tzachi immediately called MDA’s 101 Emergency Dispatch Centre for help.

The call was answered by senior EMT Yaniv Zarug, who realized the birth had begun and guided Tzachi on how to prepare to assist the delivery of his own son! At the same time, MDA dispatched first responders, an ambulance, and a Mobile Intensive Care Unit to their home.

The first to arrive was senior EMT Ran Schwartz, an MDA first responder who cut the umbilical cord and carried out medical checks. Shortly after, paramedics Rachel Saitz and Mohammad Shanan arrived with the intensive care team and transported Sivan and her newborn son to the hospital.

At the brit milah ceremony, the new parents announced that their baby boy, born in the early hours of the morning, would be named Shachar - sunrise.

21/08/2025

Israel’s scorching heatwave last week did more than break records; it brought more babies into the world early.

Magen David Adom delivered six babies outside hospitals, double the daily average, and treated 1,756 people for heat-related illness. Extreme heat and dehydration can speed up labour. Preparedness saves lives.

19/08/2025

🏅 HEROES HONOURED: President's Medal for Civilian Bravery 🏅

Two incredible MDA heroes are receiving Israel's highest civilian honour for their extraordinary courage on October 7th:

Oshrit Hadad
23-year-old paramedic who established a field hospital at Shuva Junction under fire, treating dozens of wounded for hours. "There was a soldier who was critically wounded; he grabbed my hand and asked me to say Shema Yisrael with him," she recalls. On Independence Day, she lit the torch representing all emergency services.

Gilad Hunwald
Senior EMT who fought terrorists while evacuating wounded from Kibbutz Alumim - his own home. For over 4 hours, he battled to defend his community, then continued treating the wounded under live fire. "I evacuated ten people. It was clear to us that we were fighting for our home."

Their bravery represents the spirit of all those who risked everything to save lives that day

12/08/2025

Meet Avidan and Tamar Chayat, both 21, emergency medical responders from MDA and newlyweds from Rishon LeZion.
Just three weeks ago, they stood under the chuppah, and today, they sit side by side in MDA’s Immediate Response Vehicle, saving lives as a team.
Their love story began three years ago during an emergency call. Tamar was already a trained EMT; Avidan, then a trainee EMT, asked for her help with his studies after watching her in action. One thing led to another. From teamwork, to friendship, to love.
Today, they respond to emergencies together in the MDA vehicle parked right outside their home. Even on their wedding day, they wore the iconic MDA yellow vest over their dress and suit.

“It’s happened more than once that we’ve left a full shopping cart behind to rush to an emergency,” they shared. “Volunteering is always meaningful but doing it together, especially on days like Tu B'Av, makes it even more special."

Mazal tov to our life-saving bride and groom!

12/08/2025

"We have a responsibility, and we feel part of Israel, so we don’t run away when times get tough."

This summer, while many canceled flights and events when Operation Am K’Lavi (Rising Lion) broke out, 50 young adults from around the world arrived in Israel for the MDA Overseas Program, determined to stay, train, and save lives.

Among them were Ilan Chorev (20) and Shahar Van Straten (23) from the Netherlands, childhood friends who have visited Israel since they were kids. This time, they came to serve. “It never even crossed my mind to go home,” Ilan said. “We belong here, especially now.”

Since 1991, the MDA Overseas Program has brought over 17,000 young people from around the world to Israel for two months of first-aid training and volunteering on MDA ambulances. Many later make Aliyah and continue serving the country.

For participants like Elyjah Gluska (24) from Los Angeles, October 7 was a turning point: “That day I realized my soul is tied to this land and my people… I’ve never been prouder to be Israeli.”

09/08/2025

⏳ FINAL COUNTDOWN – Just ONE day to go! ⏳
This is it. Tomorrow is City2Surf, and we are counting on YOU to help us reach our $160,000 goal for a life-saving ambulance.

Tomorrow, we will be running to save lives. With your donation, you can provide critical care to thousands of people in need. From heart attacks to emergencies and baby deliveries, your support makes it all possible.
Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal.
👉 DONATE NOW: https://city2surf25.grassrootz.com/australian-friends-of-mda/team-mda

07/08/2025

⏰ Only 2 days left to make a difference! ⏰
🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️Team MDA needs your support to help fund a life-saving ambulance that will serve Israel’s paramedics. Every year, one ambulance can save 3,000 lives, from emergencies, heart attacks, baby deliveries, and more.
👉 Donate to Team MDA today: https://city2surf25.grassrootz.com/australian-friends-of-mda/team-mda