Since the start of Operation “Roaring Lion,” Magen David Adom paramedic Fadi Hamdan, head of the MDA station in Petah Tikva, has been working around the clock to manage emergency response across the city — balancing operational responsibility, staff safety, and life-saving care under ongoing rocket fire.
MDA paramedic Fadi Hamdan, head of the MDA station in Petah Tikva, has been sleeping very little since the start of Operation “Roaring Lion.”
He carries the responsibility of ensuring that all ambulances are staffed 24/7 and strategically positioned across the city, that all shifts are fully covered, that there is sufficient equipment, and of course, that the safety of staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly, responding to scenes of destruction to save lives while continuing to handle routine emergencies —is maintained.
At home, his wife and three children provide him with support and understanding, knowing how important his work is.
On the evening of Passover, he was called with many other MDA teams to a missile impact scene in the city: “Four vehicles caught fire in a courtyard between buildings, filling the residential buildings with thick black smoke,” Fadi recounted. “A young mother with a baby tried to leave one of the buildings but struggled because of the smoke. We assisted them to get out, conducted an initial assessment to rule out life-threatening conditions, and tried to calm them. She was distressed, so I helped carry the baby to our ambulance.”
“We were very glad they were safe, but it was heartbreaking to see such a small baby and a mother in that situation,” he concluded.
“I want to wish all of Israel a happy and kosher Passover, and to thank MDA staff and volunteers, who risk their lives every day, sacrificing every free moment while on high alert for over a month, leaving their families in safe rooms to rush to emergency scenes while continuing to respond to routine emergencies: resuscitations, strokes, high blood pressure crises, you are heroes. The organization stands behind you, and the entire State of Israel sees what you do. Stay strong, take pride, and thank you for everything.”
