By Marelinke van der Riet

At a recent ceremony in Jerusalem, the International Christian Embassy handed over the latest of five new ambulances we have donated to Israel since the current war began on October 7 last year. This newest ambulance was generously funded by ICEJ-USA and delivered to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s largest national emergency medical service, and will be stationed in the Upper Galilee, an area significantly impacted by rocket fire from Lebanon over the past year of conflict in the North

Magen David Adom was founded nearly 94 years ago and has long been the lifeblood of Israeli society, responding to medical emergencies in both times of war and peace. The organization treats more than 2,000 patients daily, with its call center receiving over 4,000 calls on a typical day. However, on October 7, 2023, the scale of MDA’s work reached unprecedented levels, as they fielded close to 23,000 emergency calls in just one day. This surge came in the wake of a brutal Hamas terror assault from Gaza that left MDA personnel facing intense danger, with ambulances coming under fire from assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades. Tragically, two MDA members are still being held hostage in Gaza.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, MDA’s operations have remained steadfast. The organization has over 32,000 dedicated staff, with a remarkable 90% of them serving as volunteers despite also holding other jobs. The demands on these volunteers have been immense over the past year of conflict in Israel. Yet throughout these trying times, MDA has received an outpouring of support from both local Israelis and from around the world, particularly from Christians.

“The past year has been completely mind-blowing,” said Yonatan, an MDA spokesman, about the overwhelming response, including from Christians. “I have never experienced that amount of support, and I’m not just talking about financial support. The moral support, the care, the interest — we are feeling it.”

He also noted how the ICEJ has been a consistent partner in providing essential aid to Israel over the course of the war.

Over the past year alone, the ICEJ has donated five new ambulances, two medi-cycles, eight fire-fighting ATVs, dozens of paramedic kits and defibrillators, over 100 sets of protective gear for first-responders, and an intensive-care bed and stretcher for a hospital, among other emergency medical equipment. Two of the new ambulances and the two medi-cycles have been dedicated for use by MDA, boosting its ability to respond to emergencies across the country. This latest brand-new ambulance will ensure that MDA can continue its critical work in the Upper Galilee, an area battered by rockets during the heated conflict with Hizbullah since October last year.

During the dedication ceremony, Anne Ayalon, President of Christian Friends of Magen David Adom, emphasized the importance of Christian support for Israel in tangible, impactful ways.

Barry Denison, ICEJ-USA Director of Finance & Operations, also expressed his pride in MDA’s invaluable work, highlighting the dedication and resilience of the organization’s team.

Nicole Yoder, ICEJ Vice President of Aid & Aliyah, reflected on the privilege of being able to contribute to MDA’s life-saving mission.

“We are very grateful for all that you have been doing – for protecting us as well,” assured Nicole. “It is a really great privilege and honor for us at the ICEJ to be able to support this very important work. Not only are we grateful, but we also want to honor the fact that you have acted with such courage and resilience in the face of unbelievable tragedy and difficulty.”

Thanks to the generosity of our Christian donors, the ICEJ is able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Israelis. These donations, including this latest ambulance, help Israeli emergency responders continue their vital work, saving lives and providing aid to those in need during one of the most challenging periods in Israel’s history.

Please continue to support the Christian Embassy’s urgent aid efforts to help see Israel through the end of this current conflict and beyond, into a better, brighter future. Give to our Israel in Crisis fund.

Donate today: help.icej.org/crisis

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