Teaneck–As a private citizen, Elie Y. Katz, Teaneck’s Deputy Mayor, a life-long Teaneck resident and business owner, has established a critical fundraising effort in Bergen County in September for Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical response organization, which provides for the health, security, and well-being of Israel’s 8 million people. The Bergen County Magen David Adom Fund Drive will help the American Friends of Magen David Adom purchase a new Life Support Ambulance. His goal is to raise $100,000.

“The current crisis in Israel demands our attention and action here in Bergen County,” said Katz. Katz is a tireless advocate for Israel who spearheads many efforts to raise awareness about and funding for Israel’s most pressing needs.

“The Bergen County Magen David Adom Fund Drive’s mission is absolutely crucial,” Katz said. He said Israel needs approximately 100 new ambulances per year.

The Bergen County Fund Drive is dedicated to Rabbi Joseph Feinstein, Katz’s wife’s father, in honor of his 25th Yahrzeit. Rabbi Feinstein was the head of kosher supervision and a leader in all aspects of Jewish life in Los Angeles. Rabbi Feinstein was also a chaplain and captain in the U.S. Army.

Karen Stein, Director of Development for the Northeast Region, American Friends of Magen David Adom said, “We’re so grateful to the Bergen County community for the energy and dedication they’re bringing to the cause. Their efforts are going to make a real difference for Israelis in need of medical care.”

Everyone is invited to the Fund Drive’s kickoff event, the first Annual Elul Lecture, at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Young Israel of Teaneck, 868 Perry Lane. Rabbi Steven Weil will deliver the lecture, “Minefields: Rambam’s Analysis of the Six Spiritual Roadblocks That Preclude Teshuva.” Rabbi Weil is the Senior Managing Director of the Orthodox Union. A dessert reception will follow the talk.

Also scheduled to speak are Gary Perl, the Northeast Region Director of American Friends of Magen David Adom, and Dr. Jason Nehmad, a former Magen David Adom volunteer in Israel. These outstanding men will share compelling emotional, first-hand experiences that will inspire attendees to join Israel’s fight against terrorism. There will also be equipment displays and demonstrations at the event.

For more information on the lecture visit www.yiot.org or email [email protected]. Additional fundraisers will be announced soon.

Donations can be sent to:

AFMDA

172 West Englewood Ave

Teaneck, NJ 07666

To donate to the Bergen County Magen David Adom Fund Drive, go to bergendonate.com or call 201-715-5179. All funds will be directed to the American Friends of Magen David Adom, a licensed 501(c)3 non-profit for the purchase of the new ambulance.