Magen David Adom (MDA) is Israel’s only first aid society, serving all Israelis regardless of race, religion, or nationality. MDA operates the ambulance service and is also responsible for the blood supply.

MDA operates with a staff of only 1,400 for the entire country, and another 10,000 volunteers. Currently the youngest volunteer is 15 and the oldest 86. One-half of the volunteers are under the age of 20 and many volunteers are Canadians who pay their own air fare to Israel and spend their summers riding on the ambulances.

Over 430,000 people receive services from MDA every year. In 2006 MDA totaled 468,347 ambulance drives, averaging 1,283 drives per day, a 5% increase from the previous year.

Under Canadian law MDA cannot send money so we send goods instead. The equipment ranges from cervical collars and IV bags to teaching aids, LP-12 defibrillators and even ambulances. In fact 38 Canadian ambulances were donated in 2006-07.

It has been a great pleasure to meet and work with the dedicated representatives of Lazarus Partners. I am truly proud and moved to have been involved and am impressed with the diverse goals and interests of the charities that Lazarus Partners supports. Experiencing the enthusiasm and warm reception reinforces the true meaning of the Season. It is only through the kind and good people like yourselves that we, Magen David Adom are able to fulfill our commitments for medical services in Israel.

David Kaminker