Mobilizing to Save Lives
WITH SUPPORT FROM BEVERLY HILLS RESIDENTS, AFMDA FUNDS INITIATIVES TO BRING HOPE AND HEALING TO ISRAEL
As Israel deals with one of the most challenging times in its history, American Friends of Magen David Adom, the fundraising arm of Israel’s national emergency services system, is funding urgent medical care to meet the needs. AFMDA supporters from the greater Beverly Hills area are coming together to contribute to critical lifesaving initiatives.
Magen David Adom is a crucial pillar of Israeli society that people of every background, faith, and ethnicity rely upon. From the ambulances that treat people injured in terror attacks to the blood used in every hospital to keep people alive to the vibrant volunteers that offer essential care with love and humanity, MDA is committed to the values of compassionate care for all.
When Hamas attacked communities on the Gaza border, medics ran directly into the line of fire to reach the wounded. At least four were killed while working to save others, and many rescue vehicles were destroyed. In response, AFMDA donors have been working around the clock to provide the resources sorely needed at this time.
REPLENISHING THE FLEET: AIRLIFTING RESCUE VEHICLES
In the days and weeks following October 7, AFMDA donors from the Beverly Hills area generously contributed funds to replenish the fleet of ambulances that had been destroyed. Although the process of shipping ambulances to Israel usually takes months, AFMDA arranged for air transport of 11 Mobile Intensive Care Units and six Life Support Ambulances –including one ambulance dedicated in Beverly Hills months prior – to immediately provide aid to the medics. Upon arrival to Israel, vehicles were made ready for use on an accelerated schedule. More ambulances arrived in subsequent months, along with supplies such as ballistic vests, helmets, Corpuls 3 defibrillators, and hemostatic bandages to stanch shrapnel and bullet wounds.
KEEPING THE BLOOD SUPPLY SAFE: THE MARCUS NATIONAL BLOOD SERVICES CENTER
Hours after the October 7 attack, Magen David Adom officially opened the country’s new, fortified blood bank in Ramla. The 6-story facility, supported by AFMDA, includes subterranean floors to protect the blood supply from rockets, missiles, chemical attacks, and earthquakes. Beverly Hills residents are active supporters, with one individual recently committing to naming the Platelet Storage Room. Since the war began, thousands of Israelis have been standing in line for hours to donate blood. In early October, the center received 5,000 units of blood in one day — five times more than usual. After the blood is supplied, it goes through a rigorous testing and storage process and is sent out for use by hospitals and the military.
PROVIDING SUPPORT TO NEW MOTHERS: THE SUSSMAN FAMILY FOUNDATION HUMAN MILK BANK
As young families in Israel deal with difficult times, MDA’s Sussman Human Milk Bank has stepped in to help. Since it opened in 2018, Israel’s first and only such bank has mainly supplied milk to severely preterm and underweight babies, helping to protect them from serious medical conditions. However, currently, the number of newborn orphans has risen sharply due to the Hamas attacks and the subsequent war. New mothers with family members who are hostages, partners who have been killed, and other forms of trauma are also finding it hard to breastfeed. As a result, many babies have been added to the list of recipients. In an average month before the war, the bank supplied about 5,400 ounces to babies; in January, 5,000 ounces of breast milk went to premature babies alone, and an additional 8,500 ounces were sent to other babies who needed it. Since October, about 50,000 ounces of milk have been donated.
To learn more, contact Dorin Esfahani at 323.248.9532.