On Thursday, January 15, a cornerstone-laying ceremony was held in the community of Shlomi for a new MDA station, and five new bulletproof ambulances were inaugurated that will be deployed in communities across the country. The station and the five new ambulances were donated by the organization “Samaritan’s Purse”, whose mission is to assist humanitarian organizations.
“Samaritan’s Purse”, based in North Carolina, is a Christian evangelical humanitarian aid organization that provides assistance to people in crisis situations. The organization operates in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, illness, disaster, poverty, hunger, and persecution.
The organization “Samaritan’s Purse” chose to strengthen MDA since the outbreak of the war, when it donated ambulances dedicated to the memory of Magen David Adom personnel who fell in the Iron Swords War - those who were murdered while on life-saving missions with MDA or who fell in battle while defending the State - and continued to strengthen MDA with the donation of a new station in the community of Avshalom and bulletproof ambulances.
The ceremony was attended by Mr. Ken Isaacs, Vice President of “Samaritan’s Purse,” MDA Director General Eli Bin, Head of the Shlomi Local Council Gabi Naaman, MDA Asher Region Director Eli Peretz, MDA Carmel Region Director Erez Geller, as well as volunteers and staff.
President and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse, Rev. Franklin Graham: “I’m grateful so many people have been able to come home, and we pray that with the laying of this cornerstone today, even more will return. We want this ambulance response station and these five armored ambulances to be another brick in a strong wall of protection for the people of Shlomi and northern Israel,” said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse. “We thank God for the bravery and dedication of the men and women of MDA - and we continue to pray to the God of Heaven for peace in Israel”.
Vice President, Programs and Government Relations, Samaritan’s Purse, Ken Isaacs: "Magen David Adom is an amazing organization - it is an honor for Samaritan’s Purse to partner with them and share in their vision for meeting the needs of the people of Israel.”
Head of the Shlomi Local Council, Gabi Naaman: “It is moving to stand here alongside the people of Magen David Adom, and I am honored to do so, alongside those who carried out holy work and saved lives with exceptional dedication during the war. The inauguration of the five bulletproof ambulances and the laying of the cornerstone for the new MDA station represent a significant step in strengthening the medical response and security for the residents of Shlomi and the entire region. On behalf of all Shlomi residents, I thank MDA’s management and the generous donors for their commitment, support, and investment in saving lives in the north”.
MDA Director General Eli Bin: “This ceremony is far more than the laying of a cornerstone and the dedication of ambulances - it is an expression of a true values-based partnership around one shared value: saving lives. In the difficult days after October 7, when the reality in Israel was complex and painful, our partners at "Samaritan’s Purse" were among the first to arrive, stand by our side, and provide practical assistance. The friendship with "Samaritan’s Purse" and with Rev. Franklin Graham is a true friendship, tested in moments of crisis and proven strong. The new MDA station in Shlomi and the bulletproof ambulances strengthen the organization’s preparedness and the resilience of residents along the northern border, and convey a clear message: life is stronger than the threat, and MDA will always be here, ready to save lives”.
Credit - MDA Spokesperson
