Yeshivat Frisch students learned about the important work of Magen David Adom last week, from paramedic Gary Perl, Northeast Region Director for American Friends of Magen David Adom. Magen David Adom is Israel’s national medical service, serving the country from north to south, east to west. In addition to a video about the work of MDA, Perl emphasized the personal, familial connection felt between MDA medics and their patients. “In case you need help,” said Perl, “you should know that Israel’s finest, MDA medics, are also your family.”
Perl also noted that it is possible to volunteer for MDA during one’s gap year in Israel between high school and college, after taking some intensive training courses.
Following Perl’s presentation, the students had the unique opportunity to hear from Frisch alumni Rabbi David and Natalie (Taub) Jonas (both Class of 2004), who recently decided to dedicate a Magen David Adom ambulance. In his speech, Rabbi Jonas thanked his rebbeim at Frisch, who set them on a path to want to give in this kind of way, and impressed upon the students that they may hopefully—sooner than they realize—one day have a similar opportunity to utilize their resources for the benefit of others.
“It’s because of the environment that we were surrounded by in Frisch, that if you have the opportunity to do something for someone else, whether that’s being able to help another Jew, dedicate an ambulance, serve as a paramedic or to stop and say thank you, [you do so],” said Jonas. “You are the future of Am Israel and you will be called upon to be the conscience, morality and ethics of Israel.”