During the event organized by the Israeli Friends of MDA Society (IFMDA) to honor MDA heroes, a panel featured four MDA members who shared stories of heroism from October 7th. MDA International President, Ambassador and former minister Gilad Erdan stated: "The events of October 7th demonstrated that Magen David Adom is the backbone of Israel's national resilience."
On December 22 a special evening of recognition and tribute was held, organized by the MDA Friends Society in Israel, dedicated to honoring the heroes of Magen David Adom. The event was honored with the presence of the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, and his wife, Michal Herzog, as well as MDA Global President Gilad Erdan; MDA Director General Eli Bin; MDA Executive Committee Chair Rabbi Avraham Manela; IFMDA Chairman Gil Weiser; CEO of IFMDA Orly Ariel; senior figures from Israel's business sector, MDA leadership, and bereaved families who lost loved ones—MDA volunteers and staff who were murdered by Hamas terrorists while on duty saving lives on "Black Saturday," with the bodies of two still held by Hamas in Gaza.
The evening was hosted by actress, model, and TV presenter Miri Bohadana, herself an MDA volunteer. A special panel featured four MDA heroes who shared their moving stories of heroic actions during the "Iron Swords" war. Among them was MDA paramedic Aviv Shneur, a Sderot resident, who treated his critically injured friend, MDA emergency medical technician and ambulance driver Hananel Jerafi, in his living room after Hamas terrorists shot at their ambulance. That same day, Aviv reached the MDA station in Sderot and treated many injured casualties for hours.
Another story came from Adam Safadi, an MDA emergency medical technician who responded to a missile strike at a soccer field in Majdal Shams that killed 12 children, including his own daughter, Vinis. Despite his personal loss, Adam continued to treat the injured and save lives. During the event, Adam presented President Herzog with a football bearing the names and photos of the children killed.
Orit Ohana, a resident of Shadmot Mehola, is not only a mother, grandmother, and teacher but also an MDA paramedic. On October 7th, Orit was dispatched to the Gaza Envelope communities to treat casualties and has since served on the front lines for 160 days in reserve duty. Another story highlighted was that of MDA paramedic Alissa Krant, who on October 7th left her home and joined a mobile intensive care unit in the Ashkelon area, saving lives. That day, Alissa treated police officer Rami Cohen, who was injured by Hamas terrorists at the Sderot police station. Rami attended the event and presented Alissa with a bouquet of flowers after hearing her recount the day she saved his life.
The event was an opportunity to express deep gratitude and appreciation from Israeli economic leaders to MDA personnel for their extraordinary and unwavering contributions to saving lives, strengthening ties with bereaved families, and commemorating the memory of those who lost their lives during their humanitarian mission.
During the evening, participants donated ambulances, emergency medicycles, and essential medical equipment for life-saving efforts. MDA expressed its thanks to IFMDA for organizing the emotional event and to the numerous donors for their support and commitment to saving lives.s a beacon of hope and faith for the entire world."
Israeli President Isaac Herzog:
"For you, MDA men and women, the crises and challenges faced by Israeli society are never distant headlines in a newspaper; for you, they are firsthand experiences. The immense spirit of mission that drives you, and the tremendous responsibility you bear, placed you this year, perhaps more than ever, in the toughest, most dangerous, and most painful places—under live fire, in life-threatening situations. On the morning of October 7th, Simchat Torah, and during the relentless attacks on Israel's home front during the war — at missile and drone impact sites and terror attack scenes—you ran, and continue to run, into the fire with extraordinary dedication, inspiring solidarity, and profound commitment to your mission.
This courageous and uncompromising response is the ethical and professional DNA of MDA, built together over decades. I deeply thank all of you, the men and women of the organization; MDA International President Gilad Erdan; MDA’s excellent leadership; and MDA Director General Eli Bin. And, of course, to the friends and supporters of MDA in Israel and worldwide. On behalf of the entire Israeli society, I salute the EMTs and paramedics, whom I am privileged to know as the best there are, as well as MDA's vast network of volunteers."
MDA Global President Gilad Erdan:
"In the days following the murderous terror attack on October 7th, the Shin Bet found on the bodies of Hamas Nukhba terrorists documents revealing a chilling fact — explicit, detailed instructions to target Magen David Adom stations, ambulances, and our 'white-uniformed warriors' whose sole purpose is to save lives. These shocking documents illustrate clearly that MDA personnel stand and act on the front lines, ready to risk their lives for the citizens of Israel.
The events of October 7th proved that Magen David Adom is the backbone of our national resilience. Since Israel has only one national rescue organization capable of operating anytime, anywhere—from the northernmost point to the southernmost—MDA must not only be the best rescue organization in Israel, as it already is, but it must also be the best of its kind in the world."
MDA Director General Eli Bin:
"In the 14 months since the start of the "Iron Swords" war, we have faced immense challenges. We were required to act quickly, efficiently, and with exceptional professionalism under challenging conditions. We treated thousands of injured people in complex scenarios and under fire, sometimes establishing treatment centers in unimaginable places—synagogues and even the living room of a paramedic's home. We managed emergency centers under unprecedented pressure and responded to unimaginable human situations.
This activity demonstrated to all the strength of Magen David Adom, our national rescue organization, which relies on its human capital, groundbreaking technology, and limitless commitment to saving lives. Thanks to the support of the Israeli Friends of Magen David Adom, and support from across Israel and the world, we were able to prepare for every challenge and fulfil our mission with pride. I wish to thank the Chairman of IFMDA Gil Weiser; CEO Orly Ariel; the geneus donors; and all our partners for their dedication and deep belief in our mission.
For more photos from the event: https://bit.ly/4grGuYj
Credit: Eliran Avital, Shmulik Hazan.
