The heroism of MDA under fire: stories of rescue, pain, and hope behind the numbers and sacrifice.
Since the horrific morning of October 7, Magen David Adom teams have found themselves on the front lines of both combat and rescue.
Despite being surrounded by heavy fire, they courageously and tirelessly worked to save lives with endless dedication. On the anniversary of the attacks and the outbreak of the ensuing war, we are proud to share the stories behind the numbers, highlight the heroes who fell, and those who continue to work tirelessly to save lives in Israel.
On October 7, MDA teams headed to the front lines without hesitation, even when knowing the real danger they faced. They entered terror-stricken areas, confronted pain head-on, and risked their lives to save others. Some did not return from their mission — true heroes who sacrificed their lives for others. MDA continues to mourn them while remaining determined to continue to save lives.
Thirty-three members of MDA have been injured, some on October 7, others throughout the year. 20 of them are still in rehabilitation.
Eighteen MDA ambulances were damaged on October 7, eight of which were completely destroyed. Yet MDA’s response never stopped for a moment. Since the beginning of the war, MDA has expanded its fleet by approximately 600 new vehicles, including 189 ambulances (five of which are bulletproof) and 163 mobile intensive care units (two of which are bulletproof). Additionally, 80 Medicycles, 10 blood donation vehicles, a seven-bed intensive care evacuation bus with the capacity for 10 more lightly injured patients, and 41 emergency trailers equipped with lighting and generators were added. This equipment enables MDA to be present in every corner of the country, providing a rapid and professional response, even under fire.
Since the war began, approximately 5,000 new volunteers joined MDA, including roughly 3,500 youth volunteers aged 15-18. These volunteers come from all over the country, ready to give what they can, assist, and save lives. In a time of uncertainty, MDA trained approximately 410,000 men and women in CPR and first aid courses. Through around 3,000 emergency first aid training courses, each participant was provided with the tools to save lives. This knowledge was shared across all segments of the population, aiming to create a human safety net where anyone can be a savior in critical moments.
MDA’s blood donation services collected approximately 325,000 units of blood through donation drives across the country, at MDA stations, and at IDF bases. All blood donations were meticulously tested and supplied to hospitals and to the IDF. For the first time this year, whole blood was supplied directly to combat zones, saving the lives of both soldiers and civilians.
MDA’s Sussman Family Foundation Human Milk Bank provided 4,078 liters of milk to premature babies in need over the past year. Of that amount, 2,107 liters were supplied to infants directly affected by the war, babies whose mothers were injured, kidnapped, or recruited for duty.
Amidst the war, the “First Contractions” midwives project was launched in collaboration with the Israeli Midwives Association. As part of the project, approximately 50 on-call MDA midwives were equipped with full equipment for safe deliveries. Since the project’s launch, several babies have been born with the assistance of these midwives, who arrived quickly to every call, bringing new life into the world, even under the harshest conditions.
During the war, the Magen Project was launched, aiming to provide for an immediate response and accessible rapid medical care by community members in peripheral areas and cities. Thousands of emergency response team members, municipal workers, security personnel, and civilians were trained and equipped with medical supplies to provide first aid. They can provide initial medical responses to their communities while carrying out their regular duties, serving as the first link in the chain of rescue.
“We are on the front lines in the battle for the lives of Israeli citizens. When our people go out to save lives, they don’t ask where the threat is or what the risk is—they focus on who needs help,” said Eli Bin, MDA director-general.
