To serve as a volunteer supervisor in the north at the height of this war, means working around the clock and endless responsibility, but Yonatan Avilea, an MDA EMT and a youth volunteers' manager in Shlomi as well as adult volunteers' manager in Nahariya, fulfils this mission with great success
Yonatan Avilea, was evacuated from Shlomi to Nahariya at the beginning of the war. He's an EMT and an ambulance driver, knows the area from top to bottom, and is the one who's integrated the volunteers from the two stations that have been within the firing range for over 10 months. But that’s not all, because in addition to his significant role in the north, he also helped the teams in the south in the immediate aftermath of the outbreak of the war on October 7.
Jonathan: “Since I served in the south of the country, I supported the teams as an additional first responder, in regular and additional shifts, or any mission required in the region. In the second week of the war, I returned to Shlomi and went on a shift in Nahariya. Already at the beginning of the shift we dealt with a direct rocket strike, and many wounded who were in very serious condition. We gave life-saving treatment, and unfortunately we also had to pronounce one of the injured dead."
Since then, Yonatan has remained in the busy sector, and every day faces alerts, rocket fire, and drones that threaten the area. Yonatan: “I know that if I have to treat the wounded under fire, I will do it as we were taught and practiced. That's the mission."
Yonatan’s family, most of whom are in the medical field, has settled in Nahariya for the time being, and since everyone works in the same field, he finds comfort and relief in them.
My parents are supportive and enable us to sit and talk about the events we see, they share their own experiences and although they are a little afraid, they know that I will do everything to get home safe and sound at the end of the shift.”
Like all of the staff members we interviewed recently, Yonatan also notes that the social circle in MDA helps to remain focused and positive despite the complex period. “MDA's staff are my place to unload everything I’m going through, they’re there for me for everything, to advise, to listen and to share their experience, these are people who accompany me for life, and I spend more hours with them than with my family.”
Yonatan was especially happy that the number of volunteers in the northern sector did not decrease during the war, but remained stable and even increased! “My volunteers, who I have guided in the past, and today I am in charge of them, come with a smile to the station and give their all in saving lives. It is precisely in these times of war that more people are needed, and I see no other option but to come to the station and lend a hand.”
With an incredible adaptability to the current situation, Yonatan still hopes and looks forward to returning home: “I visit my home every now and then to make sure everything is okay with the house. I love where I live and anxiously await the day when I can get back there. I don't really know how to explain it, but when I'm there, the air feels different. There is a sense of comfort, of home.”
Yonatan, thank you for your service to the people and soldiers of the State of Israel. We wish you could return to your home soon and experience a life of peace and security.
