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Magen David Adom is Israel’s emergency medical services system. A leader in mass-casualty response and in EMS technology, Magen David Adom treats and transports nearly 1 million people to hospitals every year; collects, tests, and distributes nearly all the blood to Israel’s hospitals; and through its affiliation with the Red Cross movement, responds to disasters around the world.
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
20 West 36th Street, Suite 1100
New York, NY 10018
Toll-Free: 866.632.2763
Tel: 212.757.1627
info@afmda.org
NORTHEAST REGION
20 West 36th Street, Suite 1100
New York, NY 10018
Toll-Free: 866.632.2763
Tel: 212.757.1627
northeast@afmda.org
SOUTHEAST REGION
4371 Northlake Blvd., #361 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Toll-Free: 800.626.0046
Tel: 561.835.0510
southeast@afmda.org
MIDWEST REGION
3175 Commercial Avenue, Suite 101 Northbrook, IL 60062
Toll-Free: 888.674.4871
Tel: 847.509.9802
midwest@afmda.org
WESTERN REGION
6505 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 650 Los Angeles, CA 90048
Toll-Free: 800.323.2371
Tel: 323.655.4655 western@afmda.org
ESTATE AND PLANNED GIVING
American Friends of Magen David Adom
20 West 36th Street, Suite 1100 New York, NY 10018
Tel: 212.757.1627
msternemas@afmda.org legacy.afmda.org
AFMDA NATIONAL OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
National Chairman
Mark D. Lebow
Chief Executive Officer
Catherine L. Reed
Vice Chairs
Daniel Dobin
Gershon W. Trimpol
Treasurer
Neil Fox
Secretary
Barry S. Feldman
Audit Chair
Isaac Pretter
Directors
Donna Fried Calcaterra
Jenna D. Calcaterra
Ann S. Deshe
Dave Dias
Herbert Donner
Annetta Weller Epstein
Jacqueline Goldman, z"l
Michael Goldman, z"l
Morris Goldfarb
Albert Kalimian
Fraeda Kopman
Ann Lesser
Ronit A.J. Neuman
Robert Picow
Barak Raviv
Kurt N. Schwartz
Daniel Schwarzwalder
Kent M. Swig
Chairman of MDA Executive Board
Rabbi Avraham Manela
Director-General, Magen David Adom in Israel
Eli Bin
Advisory Board
Seymour Brief, z"l
Martin Cohen
Paula Blaine Cohen
afmda.org
facebook.com/afmda
twitter.com/afmda
vimeo.com/afmda
@magen_david_adom_america
linkedin.com/company/american-friends-of-magen-david-adom
Cover photo by Michael Giladi/Flash90 Back cover photos: Baruch W., Cassouto Photography
A Culture of Emergency Preparedness
Magen David Adom responds to and manages all disasters, whether human-made or naturally occurring, due to its culture of constant training and a commitment to emergency preparedness. More than 315 training exercises were held in 2023.
Educating Israel's public in emergency medical response is also one of MDA's mandates, critically important because seconds count in the event of cardiac arrest or serious accident. Last year, MDA trained 410,000 Israeli citizens in CPR and first aid. And now Magen David Adom is providing critical care training to residents of 1,000 vulnerable communities throughout Israel. Read about MDA’s commitment to preparedness and training in the following pages.
MDA IN ISRAEL
Magen Project trains and equips local emergency medical teams in vulnerable Israeli communities.
In response to the unprecedented challenges presented on October 7, Magen David Adom is training and equipping Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs). These teams will be able to provide medical treatment to wounded community residents when terrorists prevent access to disaster areas and hospitals. Called the Magen Project (Hebrew for "Shield" Project), the initiative, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Health, is designed to address the potential of future military-style sieges that could delay the arrival of lifesaving treatment. MDA’s goal is to establish, train, and equip more than 1,000 local emergency medical teams. As of early June, nearly 750 municipalities and towns have signed on to the project, and more than 7,550 members of the public have been trained.
MDA is also providing the teams with medical equipment, supplies, and vehicles. They will be connected to MDA’s National Operations Center, through which they’ll be integrated into a vast network of EMTs and paramedics.
“With resources and training provided by Magen David Adom, and full integration with our cutting-edge dispatch system, we can maximize the potential that exists in Israel’s towns and neighborhoods,” said
Uri Shacham, MDA’s deputy director-general and chief of staff. “Working together, we can ensure that our communities are always fully protected.”
On October 7, Hamas isolated communities on the Gaza border with heavily armed bands of terrorists, who targeted police and MDA stations and ambulances, and blocked roads. MDA responded quickly by dispatching EMTs and paramedics from all its stations across the country to the south.
But firefights between terrorists and responding police and IDF troops necessitated MDA medics living in the besieged communities to set up makeshift triage and treatment sites. Armored ambulances were dispatched into the war zone to rescue wounded survivors who were evacuated to area hospitals by ambulance or Medevac helicopter. And in some cases, the injured couldn’t receive help until roads were secured.
By establishing and training CERTs and integrating them with local security professionals, MDA will ensure that injured patients receive critical care, even on the rare occasion when external teams cannot immediately get to the site of an attack. In addition to terror attacks, these teams will be ready for any disaster, such as earthquakes, blackouts, and other extreme events.
MDA volunteers prepare medical supply kits for Magen Project communities.
“The communities are the best authorities on what they need,” said Shacham. “We’re working with each locality in a very personalized way to provide the kind of training and equipment that will be of most use to them.”
Implementing the Magen Project
Emergency medical training is being provided on multiple levels. For example, MDA is providing CERT members who are already EMTs with specialized primary medical care training. Paramedics and doctors are receiving advanced critical care training. First aid, CPR, and bleeding-control courses are available to all members. Additionally, MDA will certify two members of each community’s security team as EMTs, so, when necessary, emergency medical care can be provided even when there’s a widespread threat and access to the community is temporarily compromised. Equally critical to the project are rescue and equipment vehicles. Multi-Casualty Rescue Units — 10-foot trailers equipped with a large stock of medical supplies to provide treatment for up to 10 seriously wounded and 20 moderately wounded patients — will allow the
CERTs to get supplies to the scene quickly. MDA is also providing hundreds of Emergency Rapid Response Vehicles assigned to two to three CERT members.
Finally, Magen David Adom is connecting each CERT to MDA’s computer-aided dispatch system and creating a detailed plan of operation — including the mapping of all equipment, medical professionals, and possible evacuation routes — and is codifying instructions on how to liaise with MDA. CERT members will be registered in an MDA database and officially dispatched to medical emergencies in their community.
“In the event of an emergency in an isolated community, MDA dispatchers at our operations center will be in contact with the designated community medics, who will describe the urgent needs with the level of detail and speed that is crucial in such scenarios,” said Shacham.
MDA is equipping hundreds of CERTs with Emergency Rapid Response Vehicles.
MDA is training more than 1,000 local emergency medical teams across Israel in the event terrorists prevent immediate treatment and transport to area hospitals.
MDA delivered medical equipment and will train members of the Druze community in northern Israel as first-aid responders. Some will be trained as paramedics.
MDA prepares its personnel for worst-case scenarios with vigorous training drills.
Magen David Adom holds regular training exercises with its medical teams throughout the country. They practice a variety of potential mass-casualty events, such as those that could result from war and terrorism, plane crashes, earthquakes, biological and chemical attacks, fires, train derailments, and more. Many exercises take place in collaboration with the IDF, police, fire authority, and hospitals. Multi-agency training drills were increased in the past couple of months in anticipation of an escalated situation in the north.
Providing Critical Care During Electricity and Communication Outages
In the event of a terrorist attack or natural disaster that affects electricity and communications, MDA is conducting training exercises in a number of cities. In just one example, MDA simulated a war event that took down electricity and communications, while medical teams treated patients who were wounded by missiles.
“As Israel’s national rescue service organization, MDA must meet the highest standards, even in situations where we lack electricity,” said Director-General Eli Bin. “For this purpose, we are investing considerable resources in procuring alternative communications and providing team training to meet every possible challenge and save lives.”
A blackout event can occur for a number of reasons: earthquakes, extreme weather, and, of course, terrorism and war. To avoid such scenarios hindering medical teams from reaching incident scenes, MDA has developed alternative communication channels and plans for operating emergency lines in situations where they would receive an overwhelming number of emergency calls at the same time.
“MDA purchased generators and backup systems for electricity and medical equipment for this purpose,” said Felix Lotan, director of disaster preparedness. “As part of the Magen Project, we are also training teams among the general public to provide initial medical response in the areas where they live.”
MDA IN ISRAEL
Conducting Evacuation Exercises by Train, Boat, and Helicopter
A training exercise held in the north was staged in conjunction with the railroad, health system, hospitals, police, and IDF. MDA distributed a plan detailing each entity’s role to ensure a collaborative and smooth process.
In the event of a war scenario in which roads may be obstructed, it could be difficult to transport injured people to the hospital. Participants practiced converting trains into ambulances, which could evacuate hundreds of casualties to hospitals in the central region, freeing up treatment rooms and beds in hospitals in the north.
And in preparation for summertime water activities, MDA carried out an evacuation exercise in the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) with its Sea Rescue Intensive Care Boat. During this drill, MDA and the police received a mock report about a swimmer who had been hit by a speedboat. As part of the exercise, a police boat rescued the swimmer and reported that he was unconscious and had suffered a serious head injury.
MDA’s intensive care boat met the marine patrol boat and transferred the injured swimmer onto it. The swimmer was then rushed to an MDA Medevac helicopter that had been dispatched to the scene and transported to the hospital.
MDA operates intensive care boats on the Kinneret and on the Red Sea that enable MDA EMTs and paramedics with advanced medical equipment to reach patients quickly by sea.
Photo:
Cassouto
Photography
MDA establishes the Center for Advanced Emergency Medical Training.
Magen David Adom’s new Center for Advanced Emergency Medical Training aims to produce the best-trained paramedics and EMTs in the world. The 32,680-square-foot facility will be housed in the Marcus National Blood Services Center in Ramla, an underground and shielded facility that is protected against rocket, biological, and chemical attacks, as well as earthquakes.
In life-threatening medical emergencies, EMTs and paramedics must be able to diagnose the patient’s condition, determine the course of action, and quickly evacuate the patient to the hospital. It requires tremendous skill and knowledge to save a life, whether the patient is suffering from a stroke or heart attack, or if they’re critically injured in a car accident or terror attack. That’s why it’s essential for MDA to have a modern, leading-edge training facility, one that provides classroom space for learning and state-of-the art
simulation rooms for hands-on training that closely resembles real-world medical emergencies. Currently, training takes place in multiple sites, limiting training options and class sizes. Classrooms cannot accommodate AV or simulation systems essential to advanced EMS training. And handson training is disconnected from the classroom because of a lack of a central facility.
The new center's 14 high-tech simulation rooms will offer training for a specific set of skills in various locations within real-time, lifelike scenarios, such as birthing scenarios, multi-casualty events, hazmat incidents, kitchen accidents, and more. More classrooms with stateof-the-art training tools will facilitate increasing the number of certified paramedics — the most highly trained and critically needed emergency medical personnel —from 350 to 650 annually. MDA is the only organization in Israel that certifies paramedics.
In addition to training paramedics and EMTs for MDA, the IDF, and the police service, the center will provide continuing education to medics. Advanced training in emergency medicine will be offered to medical professionals. And everyday citizens will be able to participate in first-aid, CPR, bleeding-control, and other basic emergency lifesaving classes.
A variety of naming opportunities is available. Individuals, foundations, congregations, communities, federations, and businesses are invited to sponsor a simulation room, a wing, a classroom, and more. For more information, contact the AFMDA office nearest you (see page 2).
MDA treats dozens of Israelis following Iranian attack.
After weeks of threats, Iran attacked Israel on Saturday, April 13, firing more than 300 missiles and drones toward the Jewish State. The vast majority were intercepted by Israeli, American, British, and Jordanian air defense systems and fighter jet pilots, causing minimal damage.
However, a 7-year-old girl was critically injured after an intercepted ballistic missile hit her family’s home near Arad in the southern Negev. She suffered a serious head injury from falling shrapnel while she was asleep. The girl was ventilated by Magen David Adom paramedics who also provided other lifesaving interventions and evacuated her to a hospital in Be’er Sheva. For two months she remained in critical condition, fortunately waking from her coma in June. Magen David Adom treated 31 others for minor medical issues, mostly injuries incurred while running for shelter or acute anxiety. MDA was already on its highest level of alert that day, as it has been since October 7, and
remained in constant coordination with the IDF. MDA mobilized its entire fleet of some 2,000 rescue vehicles and 35,000 staff and volunteers in anticipation of casualties.
Meet a paramedic and mother of two who served for 100 days in Gaza.
Yonat Daskal Dagan, a paramedic with Magen David Adom, is one of approximately 56,000 women who have served in the IDF reserves in Gaza since October 7. Embedded as a combat medic with the Nahal Brigade, Yonat, a mother of two children — now 1 and 3 years old — relied on her mother to care for them while she was deployed for 100 days.
Tom, her husband, was also called into the reserves. Yonat reported for duty on October 9 after spending the first two days of the war working around the clock for MDA.
While in Gaza, Yonat missed several milestones in her younger child’s life: her daughter got her first tooth, took her first steps, learned to sleep on her own, and celebrated her first birthday.
“I left a baby and got back a finished product,” she said. When asked if she feels like a hero, Yonat replied, “I don’t really like the word ‘hero;’ it’s my job, and when someone does their job, they don’t need the word.
“As a paramedic, the heroes are the soldiers fighting in Gaza. I’m their support so they can keep being heroes.”
A day after Israel’s Memorial Day, the nation marks a muted Independence Day as missiles attack the country.
Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, took place on May 13. Normally a somber day, this year, as Israel entered its 221st day of war, the holiday that honors fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism invoked an even more austere mood throughout the country.
MDA hosted a ceremony at which the names of the 31 killed paramedics and EMTs — men and women who died as they lived: saving lives — were recited. Representatives from MDA also joined national and local memorial ceremonies and laid wreaths on the graves of their fallen peers. They are among the more than 1,600 people who lost their lives since that dark day on October 7.
The evening of May 13 transitioned to Yom HaAtzma’ut, the eve of Independence Day. Each year, 12 Israelis are selected to light torches as part of what usually begins
MDA IN ISRAEL
a very festive holiday. This year, the torches were lit by people who were especially heroic on October 7. MDA paramedic Oshrit Hadad, who treated dozens of people in a field hospital she set up with other MDA medics, was asked to light the “rescue forces” torch. In the morning, rocket sirens blared in the north and south of the nation. Hezbollah launched wave after wave of rockets and anti-tank missiles. Hamas also fired rockets toward Sderot and Ashkelon.
Fortunately, there were no casualties, but MDA was on high alert, prepared to respond to whatever may come its way. Thousands of lives have been saved by the courage, training, and skill of these selfless medical professionals. And we are grateful to our American friends who support them and make it possible.
Barak and Indre Raviv lead ambulance campaign.
Barak Raviv, a financial advisor in wealth management, along with his wife, Indre, a senior vice president for a cybersecurity company, spearheaded a community campaign for an ambulance. The couple was deeply shocked by the Hamas attacks in Israel and felt compelled to make a tangible difference. Their initiative culminated in a touching ambulance dedication ceremony in May that was attended by 150 donors, family members, and friends, all gathered to support this lifesaving project.
During the ceremony, which was held at The Community Shul in Los Angeles, Barak dedicated the ambulance in memory of his grandmother, Sara Mostysser, z”l, who passed away in Israel on her 101st birthday. In his emotional remarks, he shared a cherished lesson from his grandmother, saying, "My bobe always taught us that talk is cheap and if you want to get something done, you need to do it yourself!" This sentiment resonated with all present, emphasizing the importance of action over words.
This dedication was the Ravivs’ fifth ambulance contribution to Magen David Adom since 2006.
Their initiative and the community's generous contributions underscore a powerful message of solidarity and the enduring spirit of philanthropy.
Barak recently became a member of the National Board of American Friends of Magen David Adom, and he supports many philanthropic causes through his foundation. Barak and Indre live in Beverly Hills with their daughters, Maya and Ella, and their dog, Knuttie.
“MDA has always been there for our family and friends in Israel, and we will always be there for MDA.”
Donated ambulance memorializes humanitarian and Chicago White Sox fan.
When Rebecca Sostrin and her daughter, Rachel, decided to sponsor a Magen David Adom Life Support Ambulance in memory of their husband and father, Ellis Sostrin, z”l, they knew it would help people facing medical emergencies, but they never imagined how much it would be needed. After the horrific events of October 7, the continuing conflict with Gaza, and heightened tensions with Hezbollah and Iran, their MDA ambulance arrived in Israel when it was needed most.
Ellis, of Sostrin and Sostrin, P.C., Chicago, was an injury attorney who spent his life helping countless injured workers and many others dealing with life challenges. Rebecca and Rachel knew that sponsoring an ambulance in his memory was the perfect way to carry on his legacy, to honor a man who spent his life helping people.
Ellis was also a lifelong Chicago White Sox fan. To honor that passion, the doors of the ambulance include the team’s logo. “I thank the White Sox and Major League Baseball for allowing us to honor Ellis’ love for his favorite baseball team with inclusion of the logo,” said Rebecca. This is the first MDA ambulance to bear the official logo of a Chicago sports team.
South Florida donors pay tribute to 13 killed MDA medics by sponsoring 13 ambulances.
Leon and Toby Cooperman pledged nearly $1.5 million to add 13 Life Support Ambulances to MDA’s fleet. Each ambulance will be dedicated in memory of a Magen David Adom EMT or paramedic killed during the October 7 Hamas attacks or in the months of violence since. The Coopermans made the pledge at AFMDA’s Boca-Delray Community Event in Florida on March 7. They were deeply moved by a video presentation about Amit Man, a 22-year-old paramedic who was murdered on October 7 by Hamas terrorists while trying to save lives at the clinic in Kibbutz Be’eri.
DEDICATIONS
Bella and David Adler — Boca Raton, Fla.
Bella and David Adler sponsored a Mobile Intensive Care Unit in honor of their children and grandchildren. The vehicle was dedicated at the 2024 Boca-Delray Community Event.
“I have always believed in the principle of tikkun olam — that those who have the resources have an obligation to help others and to better the world,” Mr. Cooperman said. “Toby and I felt this was the time to support the efforts and encourage the bravery of medics who are risking their lives to save others.”
Long known as one of the most prominent players on Wall Street, Leon Cooperman was born in 1943 and grew up in the Bronx, N.Y., the son of Polish Jewish immigrants. After graduating from Columbia Business School, he worked for Goldman Sachs for 22 years before founding and leading Goldman’s famed asset management business. In 1991, he set up his own successful hedge fund, Omega Advisers, where he managed investor capital for 27 years before pivoting to focus on family investments.
Committed philanthropists, the Coopermans have donated hundreds of millions of dollars to hospitals and medical centers, schools and universities, and academic scholarships for needy youth. They are signatories to both the Giving Pledge and the Jewish Future Promise, pledging to give at least half of their wealth away to Jewish causes.
Beth Torah — Aventura, Fla.
The social action team of the Beth Torah Benny Rock Campus dedicated a lifesaving Medicycle at their 2024 Beth Torah Mitzvah Day.
Mia Broome — Boca Raton, Fla.
Mia Broome sponsored a Medicycle in memory of her beloved husband, Israel Broome, z”l, and dedicated it at the 2024 Boca-Delray Community Event.
Cimet Family — New York, N.Y.
Sholem Cimet, along with Raquel, Yoram, and Yisroel Cimet, and Sandra and Daniel Salomon Pasol, dedicated a Life Support Ambulance in memory of Carlos and Jovita Pasol.
Jane Cornell sponsored a Medicycle in memory of her beloved husband, Alan Cornell, z”l, that was dedicated at the 2024 Boca-Delray Community Event.
Aileen
and Al Cwanger — Lake Worth, Fla.
A Life Support Ambulance sponsored by Albert, Aileen, Alyssa, and Michelle Cwanger was dedicated at the 2024 Palm Beach Gala in memory of beloved family members.
Janet and Phillip Dresden — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
Janet and Philip Dresden sponsored a Medicycle in honor of the people of Israel that was dedicated at the 2024 Palm Beach Gala.
After traveling to Israel on an AFMDA mission, Wendy Ecker and her son, Rob, were inspired to donate an ambulance in memory of Howard Malcolm Ecker, M.D., beloved husband and father.
Jane Cornell — Boca Raton, Fla.
The Ecker Family — Cape Elizabeth, Me.
DEDICATIONS
Gail Edelstein — Boca Raton, Fla.
In recognition of Israel’s 75th anniversary and in memory of Robert Stanley Edelstein, Gail Edelstein sponsored a Mobile Intensive Care Unit that was dedicated at the 2024 Boca-Delray Community Event.
Bobbie and Randy Elliott — Highland Beach, Fla.
Bobbie and Randy Elliott celebrated the dedication of a Medicycle they sponsored at the 2024 Boca-Delray Community Event.
Becky and Michael Elrad — Boca Raton, Fla.
Becky and Michael Elrad, co-chairs of the 2024 Boca-Delray Community Event, along with their family, gathered to dedicate a Medicycle they sponsored in memory of Amy Elrad Silver, z”l
The Familant family gathered to dedicate a Medicycle at the 2024 Boca-Delray Community Event in honor of Drs. Joseph, Harold, and Lawrence Familant.
Seymour Feldstein — Aventura, Fla.
Seymour Feldstein celebrated the dedication of his fourth Mobile Intensive Care Unit to honor the memory of his wife, Miriam.
Cheryl Friedman — Boca Raton, Fla.
Cheryl Friedman sponsored a Medicycle in memory of her loving father, Arthur H. Friedman, z”l, and dedicated it at the 2024 Palm Beach Gala.
Dr. Joseph W. Familant — Delray Beach, Fla.
Estelle Futterman — Boca Raton, Fla.
Estelle Futterman sponsored a Medicycle in memory of her loved ones that was dedicated at the 2024 Boca-Delray Community Event among family.
Meryl and Ron Gallatin — Boca Raton, Fla.
Meryl and Ron Gallatin were joined by MDA paramedic and October 7 hero Ofir Peretz as they dedicated the Mobile Intensive Care Unit they sponsored in honor of their children and grandchildren at the 2024 Boca-Delray Community Event.
Dr. David and Beth Geduld
—
Miami, Fla.
The Geduld family proudly dedicated an ambulance in honor of their sons, Zach and Ben.
Myrna and Mike Ginsberg — Boca Raton, Fla.
In celebration of Myrna’s special birthday, Myrna and Mike Ginsberg dedicated a Life Support Ambulance and Medicycle at Boca Rio Golf Club. They were showered with love from family members, including Jacqueline Goldman, z”l, a longtime AFMDA board member who was able to share in their simcha just before her passing in April.
Patty Goldstein was surrounded by family and loved ones at Porto Vita Villa Grande Club as she dedicated an ambulance in memory of her beloved husband, Barry, of blessed memory.
Roberta Goldstein sponsored a Mobile Intensive Care Unit and a Medicycle she happily dedicated at the 2024 Boca-Delray Community Event.
Patty Goldstein and Family — Aventura, Fla.
Roberta Goldstein — Boca Raton, Fla.
DEDICATIONS
Lori and Gregg Gottsegen — Boca Raton, Fla.
Lori and Gregg Gottsegen, co-chairs of the 2024 Boca-Delray Community Event, along with their family, celebrated the engagement of their children with the dedication of a Medicycle at the annual event.
Amy and Wayne Gould — Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
Amy and Wayne Gould sponsored a Medicycle in honor of Ron Lahad and MDA October 7 medics Aryeh Myers, Noa Abitboul, and Sharon Temis. The vehicle was dedicated at the 2024 Palm Beach Gala.
High Ridge Country Club Charitable Foundation — Lantana, Fla.
Committee and club members gathered on a beautiful Sunday morning to dedicate a Life Support Ambulance funded by the club members' generous contributions.
Norman Himelberg — Scarsdale, N.Y.
Norman Himelberg dedicated three Life Support Ambulances at the local community center in Scarsdale.
Howard W. Jaffie — Boca Raton, Fla.
Howard Jaffie's fourth ambulance was dedicated to his parents, Edward J. and Sylvia Jaffie, z"l, at the 2024 Boca-Delray event. He was accompanied by Diane Rutkowski.
Rachel Javit — Boca Raton, Fla.
Rachel Javit sponsored a Medicycle in memory of Max and Orly Javit that was dedicated at the 2024 Boca-Delray Community Event.
Mona Joffe and Michael Solomon — Boca Raton, Fla.
Mona Joffe and Michael Solomon sponsored a Medicycle that was dedicated at the 2024 Boca-Delray Community Event.
Roslyn
Kahn — San Francisco, Calif.
The dedication of this Life Support Ambulance was held on Mother’s Day at the home of Roslyn Kahn. Family members and friends attended, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to remember Donald H. Kahn, who believed in supporting Israel and saving lives through the heroic work of Magen David Adom.
Marjorie and Sheldon Konigsberg — North Palm Beach, Fla.
Marjorie and Sheldon Konigsberg dedicated a Medicycle they sponsored in honor of their children and grandchildren at the 2024 Palm Beach Gala.
John and Paula Kulick — Boca Raton, Fla.
John and Paula Kulick sponsored a Medicycle in honor of their beloved family and dedicated it at the 2024 Boca-Delray Community Event.
Liz and Sheldon Maschler — Boca Raton, Fla.
Liz and Sheldon Maschler and family dedicated a Mobile Intensive Care Unit they sponsored for the people of Israel at the 2024 Boca-Delray Community Event.
Irene Milin — Boca Raton, Fla.
Irene Milin, with her daughters and grandchildren, dedicated a Mobile Intensive Care Unit. It was sponsored in memory of Michael Milin and his passion for Israel.
The Albert and Victoria Naggar Trust — Boca Raton, Fla.
Miri Levine, trustee of the Albert and Victoria Naggar Trust, was joined by preschool students at Congregation B’nai Israel to celebrate the dedication of the Mobile Intensive Care Unit the trust sponsored.
Photo credits: Eastside Studio
DEDICATIONS
Lorraine and Herbert Podell — Palm Beach, Fla.
Lorraine and Herbert Podell sponsored a Medicycle in honor of Avery and Skylar’s bat mitzvot. The vehicle was dedicated at the 2024 Palm Beach Gala.
Sheldon Schwartz — New Rochelle, N.Y.
Sheldon Schwartz, along with his children and extended family members, dedicated a Life Support Ambulance in memory of his late wife, Karen Weingarten, z”l.
Olivia and Gerald Shapiro — Boca Raton, Fla.
Olivia and Gerald Shapiro were joined by their son at the 2024 Boca-Delray Community Event for the dedication of a Life Support Ambulance they sponsored.
Shelter Rock Jewish Center — Roslyn, N.Y.
The community of Shelter Rock Jewish Center gathered for a dedication of the Medicycle they sponsored.
Michele and David Silver — Beverly Hills, Calif.
Michele and Dr. David Silver initiated a community ambulance campaign following October 7. Nearly 60 supporters and community members gathered at Young Israel of North Beverly Hills to dedicate the ambulance, honoring the memories of Dr. Gerald Silver, Sam Praw, and Helen and Fred Baum.
The Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation, Inc. — Melville, N.Y.
Daniel Komansky, Silvian Foundation president, was joined by board members Rabbi Seth Grossman and Alisa Hart to dedicate a Life Support Ambulance in memory of the late Slomo and Cindy Silvian, z”l
Stifel Financial Corporation — St. Louis, Mo.
Ben and Shirley Plotkin, Alain and Revital Dobkin, and Avi Benchetrit, representatives of Stifel Financial Corporation, visited Israel to dedicate a floor in the Marcus National Blood Services Center and a Life Support Ambulance.
Leon and Anita Sztybel, of blessed memory, sponsored a Life Support Ambulance. Their children, Monica and Robert, hosted a meaningful dedication ceremony in memory of their parents who were Holocaust survivors and staunch supporters of Israel.
Temple Israel — Charlotte, N.C.
Board members and congregants of Temple Israel dedicated a Life Support Ambulance the community sponsored at an Israel Day Celebration. Rabbi Michael Wolk spearheaded the campaign in response to October 7.
Marshall and Rhoda Tobin — Boca Raton, Fla.
Marshall and Rhoda Tobin sponsored a Mobile Intensive Care Unit and dedicated it at the 2024 Palm Beach Gala.
Howard and Linda Zell — Phoenix, Ariz.
Linda and Howard Zell dedicated an ambulance in memory of Howard’s brother, J. Leon Zelovitzky, M.D. It is their hope that in addition to helping save lives, this ambulance helps women in labor bring many new Israelis into the world.
Zimmerman Family — New York, N.Y.
Gloria Zimmerman and her family gathered virtually to dedicate a Life Support Ambulance.
Anita and Leon Sztybel, z”l — West Orange, N.J.
Photo:
Molho Photography
MIDWEST REGION
Skokie congregation hears harrowing tales of October 7 rescues.
Dr. Shafir Botner, head of MDA’s paramedic school and a Medevac paramedic, shared his life-threatening experiences on October 7 and the days that followed with members of Congregation Or Torah in Skokie, Illinois. In the process of responding to those who were wounded, he escaped death three times, including once when his helicopter was hit by missile shrapnel and nearly crashed. He saved many lives on those fateful and tragic days, transporting patients on one of MDA’s three helicopters from the Gaza Envelope to Israeli hospitals. Joel Gorenstein, a volunteer paramedic with Chicago Hatzalah and MDA, spoke about his experience in Israel after October 7 as well. A past president of Congregation Or Torah, Joel spearheaded a campaign at the synagogue, resulting in the sponsorship of a Life Support Ambulance and a Corpuls 3 defibrillator.
AFMDA’s Rabbinic Solidarity Mission visits MDA’s Medevac helipad.
From left: Rabbi Harold Loss, Rabbi Max Weiss, Rabbi Gail Swedroe, Rabbi David Seth Kirshner, Rabbi Michael Siegel, Rabbi Jacob Herber, Rabbi Andi Merow, Rabbi Felipe Goodman, Rabbi Jonathan Berkun, and Rabbi Daniel Burg.
IN THE U.S.
Highland Park girl sponsors challah bake sale for MDA.
Thirteen-year-old Rebekah Nemirow raised $5,000 baking challahs for Shabbat as part of an ambulance campaign spearheaded by North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, located in Highland Park, Illinois. In the aftermath of October 7, the congregation generously sponsored two Life Support Ambulances. Inspired by Rebekah’s efforts, a member of the community matched her gift so that her name could be inscribed on the doors of one of the ambulances.
NORTHEAST REGION
Solidarity Mission to Israel has “life-changing impact.”
AFMDA's Northeast Region hosted a Solidarity Mission to Israel in February. The trip included 21 individuals who had the opportunity to bear witness to the impact of the tragic events of October 7. Participants heard moving and shocking stories from MDA paramedics and EMTs who put their own lives in danger to save others. Several members of the group expressed how these stories and experiences had a “life-changing impact” on them.
During the mission, the group visited Kibbutz Be’eri, where 110 people were massacred. They visited MDA facilities, including the Marcus National Blood Services Center and the Sussman Family Foundation Human Milk Bank. They met with hostage families and evacuees from the north of Israel, providing them with comfort and support, and were involved in several volunteer opportunities, including packing MDA medical bags for communities (see Magen Project on page 4) and produce to be distributed throughout Israel. The trip also included a meeting with First Lady of Israel Michal Herzog.
The mission served as a testament to the power of solidarity and support in times of crisis. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the crucial role MDA plays in saving lives and supporting communities in Israel.
MDA IN THE U.S.
Farewell and thank you to our dear friend, Stanley Ginsburg, z”l.
Stanley Ginsburg, z”l, of Bala Cynwyd, Penn., and Boca Raton, Fla., passed away in October 2023. He is survived by the family he so adored: his beautiful wife of 74 years, Arlene, and three children, Robert, Carole, and Marc.
Stanley was a very generous supporter and longtime friend of American Friends of Magen David Adom. He believed deeply in spreading the message, “We need people to know Israel and talk for Israel.”
Stanley embodied that statement in so many ways. For more than six decades, his generosity and passion for the Jewish community in Israel and the Greater Philadelphia area has been widespread. He made it his life mission to help many organizations, but Magen David Adom was dear to his heart. AFMDA was very fortunate to have been the recipient of Stanley’s generosity for so many years. They say a man is measured by the lives he has touched. Stanley saved countless lives in his beloved Israel through an incredibly generous endowment to AFMDA, a gift that
will touch many more lives for generations to come. For this and so much more, we will always be deeply grateful. We will miss Stanley Ginsburg, whose memory will live on as a blessing to the people and country he so dearly loved.
Corporations come together to help AFMDA after October 7.
In recent times, companies around the world have established Jewish affinity groups within their corporations. This movement, aimed at fostering a sense of community, has gained significant momentum since October 7. One notable example is the close bond forged between AFMDA and Accenture.
A multinational corporation specializing in information technology services and consulting, a group of employees from its New York operation recently visited the Marcus National Blood Services Center in Israel. They volunteered to pack medical bags for first responders. In addition to
their hands-on involvement, Accenture also provided AFMDA with a valuable opportunity to present the vital work of Magen David Adom to its employees. During this presentation, they learned how emergency funds donated to AFMDA after October 7 are being used.
The positive experiences with Accenture have inspired AFMDA to actively seek out and cultivate relationships with other companies that have shown generosity. Through their foundations and employee matching programs, many corporations are demonstrating a commitment to meaningful change in the world.
Rochester Jewish community launches campaign for an ambulance.
SOUTHEAST REGION
Aryeh Myers, deputy director of MDA’s Department of International Relations and a senior paramedic, spoke to 110 people at the Rochester Academy of Medicine in April. Rochester’s sister city in Israel is Modi’in, Aryeh’s hometown. Inspired by Aryeh’s passion and the lifesaving work of MDA, the community launched a campaign to sponsor a Life Support Ambulance. Many thanks to Debbie Goldberg, chief philanthropic officer of the Jewish Federation of Rochester, for her collaboration and leadership. AFMDA is grateful to be a partner with this federation and other federations around the country and looks forward to extending collaboration with more communities.
Porto Vita Dinner raises funds for seven ambulances.
Boca-Delray event honors MDA heroes and provides emergency vehicles for Israel.
The annual Boca-Delray Community Event held at St. Andrews Country Club and chaired by Lori and Gregg Gottsegen and Becky and Michael Elrad was a sold-out success in support of MDA. Guest speakers Mossab Hassan Yousef (aka the “Son of Hamas”) and Avi Issacharoff (creator of the hit Netflix series “Fauda”) shared a conversation about the world’s shocking rise
Thanks to the supporters of the annual Porto Vita Dinner, seven new ambulances will be added to Magen David Adom’s fleet of emergency vehicles. Highlights of the evening included an inspiring musical program executed by the talented Maestro Tomer Adaddi and a heartfelt tribute to the victims of October 7 and fallen medics of Magen David Adom. Special thanks to the Israel Unity Committee for ensuring the success of this sold-out fundraiser, continuing the legacy set by Barry Goldstein, z”l, who founded the event at the Porto Vita Villa Grande Club.
Performers of 75 Years in the Promised Land with Maestro Tomer Adaddi (center).
Guest speakers Avi Issacharoff and Mossab Hassan Yousef.
MDA IN THE U.S.
in anti-Semitism and the need to support Israel’s pillar institutions, like Magen David Adom.
The event also honored the courage and memory of MDA paramedic Amit Man, a 22-year-old paramedic gunned down in the clinic of Kibbutz Be’eri while treating the wounded. MDA paramedic Ofir Peretz, Amit’s one-time ambulance partner who later became her life partner, spoke movingly about his personal loss, as well as his quest to help others.
The evening began with the dedication of eight ambulances and 10 Medicycles. Funds raised during the event will sponsor an armored ambulance, a Medicycle, and a Life Support Ambulance. Additionally, one couple pledged to sponsor 13 ambulances in memory of 13 MDA medics who were killed on and since October 7 (see Donor Spotlight on page 14).
Palm Beach Gala pays tribute to MDA heroes, honors outstanding philanthropists, and raises money to save lives in Israel.
More than 600 supporters of Magen David Adom attended the sold-out Palm Beach Gala at The Breakers, chaired by Donald and Connie Berg and Martin and Bonnie Spector. They paid tribute to the organization’s heroic medics and raised funds for increased emergency medical needs in Israel.
The gala movingly memorialized the fallen medics of Magen David Adom, honoring their bravery and selflessness in the line of duty. In what was perhaps the most poignant moment of the evening, the Amit Man Award for Courage was accepted on behalf of Amit’s family by MDA paramedic Ofir Peretz, Amit’s boyfriend. The moment was accentuated by footage of Amit singing, which was accompanied by a live chorus.
Special remarks were made by Ambassador Gilad Erdan, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, noting that Magen David Adom is “the backbone of Israel’s resilience” and support for its lifesaving work defends Israel’s future. Linda and Al Adelson accepted the 2024 Humanitarian Award in recognition of their extraordinary generosity to MDA and their philanthropic leadership in Palm Beach. The evening began with the dedication of two ambulances and six Medicycles and ended with the sponsorship of numerous new lifesaving vehicles and more than $4 million from generous supporters.
An emotional musical tribute to murdered paramedic Amit Man moved gala guests.
Palm Beach Gala Chairs Donald and Connie Berg (speaking at the lectern) and Bonnie and Martin Spector.
Women’s Brunch inaugurates Woman of Valor Award in memory of murdered paramedic Amit Man.
More than 200 women packed the hall at Young Israel of Bal Harbour for the annual Women's Brunch benefiting Magen David Adom. The event took on a special significance this year as attendees reflected on the profound loss of October 7.
A deeply moving tribute was paid to Amit Man, who chose to stay in the Kibbutz Be’eri clinic tending to the wounded rather than seek shelter. Amit’s boyfriend, Ofir Peretz, also a paramedic who displayed great courage at the Nova music festival, thanked the guests and event organizers for their passionate support.
In Amit’s memory, AFMDA inaugurated the Amit Man Woman of Valor Award, which will be presented to women who demonstrate a commitment to saving lives through their support of Magen David Adom, ensuring that heroes like Amit are never forgotten. The first Amit Man Woman of Valor Award was bestowed on Tanya Zuckerbrot for her advocacy work and use of social media to educate people about Israel and combat anti-Semitism.
Adi Ben-Ezra, AFMDA development executive, shared her own heartbreaking story about her cousin, Agam Berger, who is being held hostage in Gaza. She asked for prayers for her safe return.
Paramedics share their October 7 experiences.
MDA paramedics Noa Abitbul and Ofir Peretz visited South Florida and Memphis, Tennessee, to share their experiences serving as first responders to the attack on October 7 and the following days. Supporters learned of their bravery and the lifesaving treatment and rescue they provided on that awful day, often under fire. Connections were built with the generous people who make MDA’s work possible.
Tanya Zuckerbrot, Amit Man Woman of Valor Award recipient.
Standing: Ann Mandell; Yishai Mizrahi, AFMDA director of major gifts; and Gail Edelstein. Sitting: Estelle Futterman, Ofir Peretz, and Lynn Foggle.
WESTERN REGION
Hero of October 7 meets with communities in California and Arizona.
Challah Mission visits MDA’s
Dr. Shafir Botner, head of MDA’s paramedic school, visited San Diego, Scottsdale, and Los Angeles to share his inspiring lifesaving and life-threatening stories from October 7. A veteran MDA paramedic for more than 20 years and one of only a handful of paramedics serving in MDA’s Medevac helicopter unit, he saved many lives on October 7 and the immediate days after, evacuating the wounded for treatment under fire. When his helicopter was hit by missile shrapnel and nearly crashed, he worked to secure the critically injured patients on board while the pilot successfully landed the helicopter. After the injured were attended to, he continued rescuing and evacuating the injured.
blood bank.
After October 7, women who attended a Challah Bake in San Diego hosted by Iliana Lombrozo were inspired to see Magen David Adom in action. Karla Galicot and Alicia Chaljon organized the trip, and a group of 32 women toured the Marcus National Blood Services Center. They were impressed with the underground facility that is fortified to withstand missile, biological, and chemical attacks. They also learned about the Sussman Family Foundation Human Milk Bank, which is operated by MDA and located in the Marcus Center. Since October 7, the milk bank has provided babies of mothers who were killed in the attacks and mothers who were called to IDF service with breast milk from volunteer donors.
AFMDA
hosts inaugural Hope Gala: Hearts of Israel in Phoenix.
The first annual Hope Gala for Magen David Adom was held March 17, honoring the heroes and victims of October 7. The audience heard firsthand accounts from Ophir Tor, an MDA EMT who was based in the Sderot Station on that Black Saturday. The successful event featured guest speaker Noa Tishby and raised much needed funds for MDA’s ongoing emergency medical and rescue services. The sold-out event included almost 600 people who came together to support Israel. MDA’s Director-General Eli Bin and Chief of Staff Uri Shacham attended to show their deep appreciation for the support of the Phoenix community.
Western Region hosts national webinar with MDA’s director of disaster preparedness.
More than 700 individuals from around the country participated in a special insider briefing held on Zoom. The webinar — Beyond the Headlines: Insights From an Israeli Hero Reflecting on Survival, Strength, and the October 7 Attacks — featured Felix Lotan, director of disaster preparedness. Felix shared an in-depth description of Magen David Adom’s operations, commitment to preparedness with hundreds of emergency drills performed each year, and collaboration with the IDF across Israel. He also shared several moving and inspiring stories of how MDA responded on October 7 and what MDA’s medics witnessed.
Aryeh Myers, senior paramedic, trainer, and deputy director of MDA’s Department of International Relations, traveled to California to meet with AFMDA supporters. At a meeting in Northern California, he discussed his role in MDA’s response to the October 7 attacks and reminded attendees of the organization’s determination to save lives at all costs. He presented an overview of the history of MDA and its vital functions as Israel’s national ambulance, blood services, and disaster response organization.
Margalit Ir, chair of B’nei Shalom’s Tikkun Olam Committee, introduced Aryeh, whom she had recently met in Israel at the Marcus National Blood Services Center. There were close to 30 people in attendance with dozens more viewing live via Zoom. It was an informative, riveting, and emotional evening.
Aryeh then traveled to Los Angeles. At a women’s donor luncheon, he shared the impact of their philanthropy and how Magen David Adom is constantly preparing for
Magen David Adom senior paramedic visits California. Meet
what may come next. Later that day, Aryeh shared his experiences with 50 guests at the Hidden Hills home of Melanie and David Ryngler.
Region’s staff.
Brooke Spencer Maserow, a familiar face to some, returned to AFMDA’s Western Region team this May, greeted with open arms. A decade ago, she embarked on her professional journey with AFMDA, and since then, she has been dedicated to nonprofit development. Brooke contributed her expertise to the Birthright Israel Foundation, UCLA Law, and Yad Vashem. Currently, she is director of major gifts for the region. Brooke lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter.
From left: MDA Senior Paramedic Aryeh Myers; event hosts Melanie and David Ryngler; AFMDA Regional Director Janet Morgan; AFMDA CEO Catherine Reed; Aya Goldman; and Erez Goldman, Israel Bonds executive director-Southwest Region.
Susan and Stanley Friedman: A lifetime of love, laughter, and legacy.
For more than 10 years, Susan and Stanley Friedman have marked simchot and important life cycle events by purchasing AFMDA charitable gift annuities (CGAs). Their most recent CGA, established this spring, celebrated Susan’s 90th birthday.
Married more than 70 years, Susan and Stanley are active philanthropists and lifelong learners. They live in Elmhurst, N.Y., and are devoted to their family, synagogue, Israel, and laughter and love. A retired TV writer and producer of public affairs documentaries who's won two Emmys, Stanley journals their daily activities to share with Susan every evening.
Susan, who holds a Ph.D. in mathematics, taught for decades at Baruch College in New York City, and manages their philanthropy. When it came to CGAs, she did the math. “When we first took money from IRAs, I learned you could give the IRA money tax-free directly to a charitable organization. But we really liked the CGAs because they too have tax advantages and pay very well. We became hooked on making gifts in a way that benefitted Israel as it provided us with a lifetime income stream.”
Beginning in 2023 with the passage of the Secure Act 2.0, individuals can elect a one-time qualified charitable distribution (QCD) transfer from their IRA of up to $53,000 to fund a CGA. Even though the income from the CGA is fully taxable, funding a CGA via a QCD can fulfill outstanding required minimum distribution requirements, resulting in tax savings.
Whether you use your IRA distribution or not, Susan and Stanley Friedman invite other like-minded philanthropists to establish a CGA with AFMDA and become lifesavers for Israel as well as esteemed members of the MDA Legacy Circle.
Your decision to include American Friends of Magen David Adom in your will, trust, or other planned gift is worth celebrating. Only those who have made a planned gift are eligible for membership. When becoming a member of our Legacy Circle, you’ll receive:
If you have made a planned gift or are considering one, contact Marilyn Stern Emas, director of estate and planned giving, at msternemas@afmda.org or 646.388.7518 so we can welcome you into this prestigious group.
Legacy Circle Celebrates You legacy.afmda.org
American
Friends of Magen David Adom mourns the passing of three longtime members of our National Board of Directors, passionate leaders, donors, and advocates for MDA and Israel who will be sorely missed.
Jacqueline Goldman
Jacqueline Goldman survived the Holocaust as a hidden child in a French convent. Twenty-seven members of her family were killed, including her mother, but she was reunited with her father, a survivor of Auschwitz. A lifetime, passionate supporter of Israel and the Jewish people, Mrs. Goldman was the matriarch of AFMDA, who turned a small fundraising organization into the largest provider of philanthropic funds for Israel's emergency medical system. During Mrs. Goldman's 75-year tenure as a leader and supporter of AFMDA, she served in multiple leadership roles, including as a vice chairwoman for many years. She also founded AFMDA’s Palm Beach Chapter. Mrs. Goldman helped build two blood centers, raised funds for thousands of ambulances, and, through the funds she gave personally and helped raise from thousands of others, played a role in making MDA a leader in mass-casualty response and EMS dispatch technology — saving countless lives. In recognition of her philanthropy and leadership, she received AFMDA’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, AFMDA’s Leadership Award in 2010, and was awarded an honorary doctorate from Bar-Ilan University in 1991.
Michael Goldman
Michael Goldman left a lasting legacy in the thousands of lives in Israel saved by his support of MDA's Marcus National Blood Services Center and his role in other MDA initiatives over the years. A longtime member of AFMDA’s Executive Committee and a certified public accountant, Mr. Goldman served as chairman of the Audit Committee until his passing. As a past president of the St. Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida, he was active in AFMDA’s fundraising events in the community. Prior to retiring, Mr. Goldman was the chief executive officer and chairman of the Board of Directors at Goldman Associates of New York, Inc., a distributor of high-end kitchen appliances.
Seymour “Sy” Brief
Sy Brief was a decades-long member of the National Board of Directors and, more recently, a valued member of our Advisory Board. An ardent supporter of Israel, Mr. Brief was involved in the oversight of initiatives that put thousands of ambulances on Israel's roads and provided Magen David Adom with crucial medical equipment and supplies, playing a role in helping to save tens of thousands of lives. A frequent visitor to Israel, his love for its people compelled him to travel there in 2014 to demonstrate his support even as the country was under rocket fire. Mr. Brief was a founder of the Agnon School in Cleveland in 1969, now known as the Joseph & Florence Mandel Jewish Day School. He was a lecturer and book reviewer for the Jewish Community Centers of Greater Miami and for the Rose and Jack Orloff Central Agency for Jewish Education of Broward County.
May their loved ones be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem and may their memories be a blessing.
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Please remember AFMDA in your will.
