Over 230 supporters of Australian Friends Magen David Adom friends once again filled the cinema at Westfield on Wednesday 21 November for the Annual MDA Movie Night.

Attendees viewed ‘The Mossad, Imperfect Spies’ which provides a rare insight into Israel’s foreign intelligence agency, which has been almost completely sealed off to the media. For the first time, dozens of its former operatives have agreed to be interviewed. These rare interviews bring to light personal and political dilemmas and challenges and form an account of the top-secret operations that have shaped Israel’s past and may yet shape its future.

Melissa McCurdie, Vice President, started the evening with some deeply heartfelt words about Jeremy Spinak, former President of Jewish Board of Deputies, who sadly passed away just days before, at aged 36.

Tony Ziegler, President provided an overview of MDA’s recent activities including the lifesaving services provided during the barrage of terror rockets which were fired upon Israeli citizens over the weeks prior. He also announced that, in recognition of Jeremy’s commitment to the Sydney Jewish and wider community, funds raised on the night will be used to purchase an emergency first responder medicycle, to be named in Jeremy’s honour.

There was a raffle on the night with a wide range of generous prizes and we extend our thanks to our sponsors who provided the gifts and refreshments on the night.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR RAFFLE PRIZE WINNERS

1st – Rachelle Newman – Leather handbag Valued $400 donated by Len Milner- Sak
2nd – Vivien Olian – Fully equipped First Aid Kit donated by MDA
3rd – Russell Lazarus – Bondi Pizza Dining Voucher $100 donated by Glen Lees – Bondi Pizza
4th – Diane Vesely – Bondi Pizza Dining Voucher $100 donated by Glen Lees – Bondi Pizza
5th – Taryn Boyarsky – Coffee Table Books (2) donated by Hedley & Zara Gordon – Book Review
6th – Ron Sekel – Dreambaby voucher $100 donated by Tony & Carolyn Ziegler – Dreambaby
7th – Alan Greenstein – Hamsa Bracelet donated by Anon

Snacks provided by Mighty Bellies.

We thank everyone for their attendance and support making the evening a great success.

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Australian Friends of Magen David Adom has recently created their very own first responder medicycle, an exact replica of the bikes used in Israel.

The medicycle will be touring local schools, synagogues and community events, helping to showcase the vital work of MDA in Israel.

Recently the medicycle has featured at Moriah College and Bellevue Hill Public Scholl with many others to follow. The students were absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to sit on the bike and jump into the shoes of our paramedics and dedicated volunteers.

“The presence of the bike was invaluable as it heightened the kids’ natural curiosity, motivated them to engage and ask questions. Interactive experiences like this will help foster a genuine connection with not just the work of MDA but with Israel” – Doron Lazarus CEO, Australian Friends of Magen David Adom.

For more information or to arrange a medicycle visit please contact Rivkah Lazarus on (02) 9358 2521 or events@magendavidadom.org.au.

Have you considered asking your guests to make a donation in lieu of gifts?

Today, many of us may have just about everything we need, so why not consider giving a gift that will really make a difference. A simple gesture of a gift donation to Magen David Adom will help save every day in Israel.

Donations in lieu of gifts are a memorable way to celebrate your special simcha, whether it’s a birthday, wedding anniversary, Bnei Mitzvot or chagim.

Just recently, Carolyn Ziegler, the wife of MDA President, Tony Ziegler, requested that guest donate to Magen David Adom. This simple gesture raised almost $5000, which will go directly to assisting us with the purchase of emergency vehicles and other lifesaving equipment.

MDA will provide you with everything you need to make it simple, including your own customised web page with your personal message and a donation link to send directly to your guests.

Helping to save lives could not be any easier.

For more information please contact Rivkah Lazarus on (02) 9358 2521 or events@magendavidadom.org.au.

Almost 1000 people attended the campaign events which took place over two nights at Australian Turf Club. The main event, ‘Big laughs for Little Lives’ was held on Sunday August 12, 2018 Guests experienced a simulated Emergency Dispatch and interactive displays. Young MDA – Comedy Club was a packed event for Young MDA. Elon Gold entertained guests at both events and had guests rolling in the aisles

Thank you to all who attended and supported Magen David Adom in their quest to raise lifesaving funds.

To view Main Event photo gallery click here

To view Young MDA photo gallery click here

Having had the opportunity to participate in the May ‘Basic First -Aid Course’ this year, I could not recommend this experience more highly to anyone willing to put themselves out of their comfort zone.

I came to Israel not knowing anyone, the language or the culture. And not being Jewish, I could not have stood out more to the other young people also participating on the course. However, all these factors meant nothing during my six weeks abroad.

Due to the nature of the intensive first-aid training, that being living in with all the other course members for ten days, and learning from 8:30am until 8:30pm, with inclusive meal breaks, we really had the opportunity to get to know one another. Being a Pro-Israel Christian I found it fascinating learning about the Jewish faith and the many traditions practicing Jews observe. Shabbat quickly became my favorite day of the week, where the everyday worries of life could be put aside and substituted for time with friends without the distractions of the outside world, including those from modern technology. Apart from allowing this relaxing day off, the course was extremely informative, teaching us a variety of first-aid techniques from basic life-support through to preparing us to treat patients in mass casualty situations, should they occur. So after the intensive ten-day training, I qualified as a first-aid responder with loads of new friends.

An ideal way for heading into the five-week volunteering period!

On shift, as volunteers, we became the third-responder on the ambulance attending all calls no matter what ethnic background or religion. There was always the possibility of life-threatening situations but we were thankful that was not often the case. We routinely checked the vital signs of our patients no matter what the injury or incident. This was the bare minimum that I performed every shift. In more serious cases cleaning and bandaging wounds was also done. And I will never forget having the opportunity of performing CPR on two elderly patients, resuscitating one, but unfortunately later passed away. It was encouraging to know; that after such an incident, there was always someone who I could talk to if I was troubled. Such help was not only available from the crewmembers, but also from the strong MDA support network from the program.

Now, not speaking much Hebrew (apart from my Hebrew medical vocabulary of course), I experienced very few issues that could not be solved quickly. Thankfully, being based in Jerusalem meant there were often other English-speaking volunteers who were able to translate if necessary. No doubt, though, an understanding of Hebrew was always an advantage. Another positive for my stationing in Jerusalem and having my housing organized through the program, meant living with four other roommates who were also participating in the MDA program. This was not always the case for some who volunteered in other regions.

Having an opportunity to reflect on the training course, it certainly does prepare you for the majority of experiences you will encounter. It not only provided the required medical knowledge but the teachers also shared their experiences, which fostered a thorough understanding of what we were to expect. On completion of the entire program, a great medical understanding is backed-up with our personal experiences. Add to that the opportunity of living in Israel, learning to shop, cook and clean has been invaluable, teaching us all to become far more independent!

How motivated you are willing to be and what you gain from the volunteering experience is ultimately up to you. You are given total independence in organizing your shifts and travelling from your accommodation to the MDA station. No matter what the situation, there is always something you can do if you are proactive and take the initiative!

Once again, I highly commend this volunteer experience to any young people whether they are Jewish or not! Everyone is always made to feel welcome.

We all face situations where family, friends and colleagues experience an accident or serious medical emergency. Would you know what to do in that situation? Would you know how to help and perhaps even save a life?

Magen David Adom understands just how important the right knowledge and training is when responding to any medical situation, no matter how minor or serious.

MDA has therefore launched first aid training programs designed for school students. Courses are conducted by certified trainers and educators and will range from the very basics to certified CPR training.

As well as being part of our fundraising activities, these courses will ensure that each participant will not only be able to help when needed but also be able to utilise these new skills at home and in the community.

We are planning a number of courses during school holidays so for more information please contact Rivkah on (02) 9358 2521 or events@magendavidadom.org.au.

Magen David Adom proudly joined our community in celebration of Yom Ha’Atzmaut 2018.

As the mood changed from solemn to celebratory, commemorating the soldiers who gave their lives protecting Israel to rejoicing in Israel’s rebirth 70 years ago.

Magen David Adom has been serving Israel for 88 years, treating and saving the lives of IDF soldiers and the Israeli people, every one of those years.

MDA was there before her birth and at her side ever since, operating Israel’s Emergency Services, National Blood Bank and International Humanitarian Medical Aid.

Thank you to everyone who visited our stand and to our wonderful volunteers who helped us raise funds on the day.

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The Australian Friends of Magen David Adom Annual General Meeting was held on Wednesday March 28 at White City.

We once again thank Roland Nagel for his many years of dedication and commitment to Magen David Adom. He was instrumental in delivering unprecedented growth for MDA and his efforts will ensure that many more lives will be saved in Israel.

We were also honoured to host Dr Asher Moser, Deputy Director Blood Services with MDA Israel. Dr Moser’s professional career began in Pediatrics at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem, after which he completed a fellowship in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at the National Institute of Health, Bethesda in Maryland, USA.

In addition to his senior role coordinating the MDA National Blood Services, Dr Moser is also heading up Israel’s first national Mother’s Milk Bank of Israel.

The MDA Mother’s Milk Bank will allow nursing women to donate excess milk to babies whose mothers are not available or able to nurse. The Bank will be established in the MDA Jerusalem station, and the facility’s operation will be funded mostly by MDA.

Establishing the National Mother’s Milk Bank will significantly enhance the resources required to treat premature babies and other newborns. Its primary goal is to increase the chances of survival and health of premature babies and newborns in Israel.

Dr Moser is on a brief private visit to Sydney.

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‘Latest cyber threats and how to defend against them’

Yuval Illuz, Chief Information Security and Trust Officer at the Commonwealth Bank was the very informative guest speaker at the Australian Friends of Magen David Adom (NSW)’s annual luncheon for Barristers, Solicitors, Accountants, Financial Planners and Professionals held in the offices of Colin Biggers & Paisley on March 15.

In his welcome, Doron Lazarus, CEO gave a personal account of his experience while volunteering on an ambulance shift with MDA. He described some of the challenges that paramedics face daily – racing to attend to a call while navigating through heavy traffic, not being able to communicate with the patients who don’t speak your language, carrying a patient to hospital down four flights of stairs without a lift.

Keith Bethlehem, MDA’s honorary solicitor introduced the guest speaker, Yuval Illutz who began his talk by saying that he had always wanted to became an MDA volunteer and joined up after completing his army service. He confirmed that he had shared many of Doron’s experiences during his time as a paramedic.

Yuval explained that as of February 2018 there are changes to professionals’ responsibilities in reporting cyber breaches. He helped to clarify the meanings of words like phishing, malware, ransomware, denial of service and gave general recommendations on precautions to take to minimise risk, etc. Yuval certainly gave attendees much to consider with regard to possible consequences for themselves and their businesses.

Yuval warned that off-the-shelf smart devices like baby monitors, air conditioners, robot floor cleaners, doorbells can be corrupted by malware and used to spy on users.

The luncheon was well attended with ample time for guests to mingle and network. Our thanks are extended to Yuval Illuz for taking time out of his busy day and to Keith Bethlehem and Colin Biggers & Paisley for their generous hospitality.

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