New York (November 12, 2020) — An online event Sunday, November 8, to raise funds for Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical service, attracted more than 7,375 viewers in the U.S. and Canada, the most people who’ve ever attended an event for the organization, and raised about $1.4 million that evening.
The money will be used to procure essential medical supplies, such as bandages and intubation tubes; purchase high-tech medical equipment, such as defibrillators and Lucas cardio-compression devices; or train paramedics, to provide them with even more advanced lifesaving skills.
The event featured Jason Alexander, star of Seinfeld, as host, as well as comedian Howie Mandel and musical artists David Broza, Idan Raichel, Jarrod Spector, Miri Ben-Ari, Gad Elbaz, and Dudu Fisher.
“The event was a great success,” said Catherine Reed, chief development officer for American Friends of Magen David Adom. “But Magen David Adom’s needs are especially great this year, as Israel is coping with both the coronavirus pandemic and sporadic terrorist and rocket attacks.”
MDA, she said, still needs additional funds to purchase medical supplies and equipment, secure ambulances, and pay for the completion of the Marcus National Blood Services Center, a $130 million cutting-edge blood center currently being built in Ramla.
When completed, the Marcus Center will not only double Magen David Adom’s blood-processing capacity for use at Israeli hospitals, it will also protect the country’s strategic blood reserves against missile, biological, and chemical attack — an important consideration given Israel’s proximity to its enemies, such as Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas.
“There are numerous ways Americans can help Israel during these trying times,” Ms. Reed said. “But few charitable gifts would have the kind of impact that a donation to support Magen David Adom would.”
For information about how to support Magen David Adom can be found at afmda.org or by calling 866.632.2763.
