Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s official national ambulance and emergency service, is set to hold their second annual Breakfast for Israel on Sunday, May 19. Taking place at Congregation Beth Shalom and running from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the breakfast will include presentations from many speakers, including Israel’s Former Consul General Ambassador Ido Aharoni, Teaneck Mayor Mohammed Hameduddin and the founder of Strengh To Strengh, Sari Singer. The world famous Jewish radio host Zev Brenner, will serve as the master of ceremonies for the breakfast. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this event, though to do so you must RSVP to www.israelbreakfast.org.
MDA is a not-for-profit organization that was founded in 1930 by nurse Karen Tenenbaum. Beginning as a volunteer organization that operated around Tel Aviv, since its inception it has grown on a national scale, and in 1950 the Knesset recognized it as the official emergency service of Israel. Today it provides services to those in need throughout Israel and is comprised of more than 23,000 volunteers and 2,200 full-time professionals. Every year MDA takes more than five million calls that include everything from everyday emergencies such as car accidents and people in need of medical attention, to more large-scale situations such as terror attacks.
“The goal of the breakfast is to both raise awareness for the incredible work that Magen David Adom does and also help them out by raising funds,” said Deputy Teaneck Mayor Elie Katz who was instrumental in planning the breakfast. “In Israel, MDA provides 97 percent of the blood supply and 100 percent of the blood supply for the army. They do it all without one penny from the government and yet they are expected to do the job that they do and do it well. They really are a great resource, not just for the state of Israel, but for the world, and it’s a great feeling to know we are supporting them.”
American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA), the largest supporter of MDA worldwide, assisted with organizing the event as well.
“This is an organization that saves lives,” said Laurie Bandremer, associate director of the Northeast Region of the AFMDA.“The donors who contribute enable us to keep moving forward and do what we do. Every day, there are unfortunately more situations that need Magen David Adom’s attention, and with your help we’ll be able to make sure everyone gets the emergency assistance and blood they need.”
Katz added that he and his wife became involved with MDA several years ago to honor the memory of his father in law who was a firm supporter of the organization.
“Before he passed away, my wife’s father was a big believer in Israel and what Magen David Adom stands for,” said Katz. “As a result, we wanted to create our own personal connection with it and continue his legacy. This organization means so much to me, and I just wanted to also make a point to express my thanks to our sponsors, Congregation Beth Shalom, The Jewish Link, Rabbi Joel Pitkowsky and Herold PR. If not for those individuals and organizations we would not have been able to put this event together.”
If you would like to learn more about AFMDA or would like to make a donation, visit https://afmda.org/. For questions about the breakfast, email Laurie Bandremer at [email protected] or call 212-757-1627.
By Adam Samuel
Adam Samuel is a journalist from Teaneck. He blogs at adamssoapbox.com.
