In a momentous ceremony that took place in Modi’in, 3,000 ninth graders from around Israel celebrated the completion of their training as first-aid providers for Magen David Adom. The new graduates will work in Advanced Life Support and Mobile Intensive Care Unit ambulances across the country.
“Israel’s national rescue organization relies and depends on its human capital, the people inside the ambulances and their professional and personal abilities,” said Dr. Eli Yafe, MDA deputy director-general for community. “Today, another significant auxiliary group has joined our forces in the form of thousands of youths who have set themselves the goal of saving lives.”
The ceremony included powerful displays of the ways these young people are making a difference by treating injuries from falls, everyday ailments, and assisting those injured in multi-casualty incidents.
“We are proud to host Israel’s national rescue organization, MDA, in Modi’in,” said Amiad Taub, deputy mayor of Modi’in-Maccabim-Reut. “The MDA branch in this city is one of the leading stations in the country. We have almost 700 youth volunteers. I am proud of all of you and wish you great success.”
There are some 14,000 MDA youth volunteers throughout the country. They are students between 14 and 18 years of age who participate in professional lifesaving training and work in their communities. They serve a minimum of 16 hours a month.
“I believe your work within the youth organizations is the most important way to impart your civic duty,” said Shlomi Castro, director-general of Children’s and Youth Organizations.
“You have become leaders in volunteerism; 3,000 ninth graders aboard ambulances is an event of international magnitude. There is no other youth organization in the world that does such a thing. Good luck to all of you.”
Additionally, certificates were awarded to the graduates who will be enlisting in the Israel Defense Forces and to Moran Dahan, an MDA EMT who was awarded Educator of the Year on behalf of the Council of Children and Youth Organizations.