A capacity crowd joined together for NSW Friends of Magen David Adom main campaign on Sunday night 31st July at the InterContinental Hotel in Double Bay. Over 350 people were moved to tears, brought to their feet and most importantly, united in support of the incredible work done by Magen David Adom in Israel.

There was hardly a dry eye in the house when MDA Paramedic Aaron Adler spoke of the challenges of his job as a First Responder. Aaron, a lawyer, medical student and young father, operates the First Responder Medicycle donated to MDA by Moriah College and the NSW Community. Megan Bernitz, an ex-Masada student, was volunteering for MDA in Israel when she was caught up in the terrorist attack at Sarona Market in Tel Aviv. That experience was life-changing, and earned her a standing ovation on Sunday night. Guest Noa Tishby, an Israeli actor/producer with a successful Hollywood career, charmed and impressed with her account of her journey to becoming an ardent and effective voice for Israel.

All this contributed to a worthy and memorable night, which most importantly was successful in raising funds for more than a dozen First Responder Medicycles for Israel.

A private briefing luncheon was held for the Next Generation of MDA supporters in the mid-city boardroom of Allleasing on Tuesday 10th May 2016.

This professional lunch provided an important networking opportunity for this up and coming dynamic group of young executives and entrepreneurs and gave them an opportunity to become acquainted with the incredible work of MDA in Israel and the efforts being made to support it in NSW.

Guest speaker was Mrs Anat Sultan-Dadon, Deputy Chief of Mission, Israeli Embassy Canberra, newly arrived in Australia after diplomatic postings in Berlin, The Hague and Cameroon. Articulate and personable, she gave an update on the current situation in Israel, with a comprehensive overview of the many challenges within the region She emphasised that it was crucial to encourage cultural, educational and commercial ties between Israel and Australia.

The event feedback was excellent, with many expressing how inspired and amazed they were by MDA’s operations and expressing a desire to become more involved in supporting MDA’s lifesaving work.

Lives may be saved by a remarkable and generous initiative. The immediate beneficiaries are the students and staff of Masada College. However, in the long run, the beneficiaries could be you, your child or grandchild.

Last year, nearly 100 high-school students and staff attended an on-site Magen David Adom First Aid course. The course was heavily subsidised by Mrs Agnes Matrai (pic left with MDA’s Tim Cohen), who continued her sponsorship into 2016 in order to ensure that many more children would benefit from having this essential training.

“All young people should know how to administer First Aid skills. All schools should have First Aid training for their students,” said Mrs Matrai, who approached Masada with her strong belief that children should receive this training.

An MDA First Aid trainer commended Mrs Matrai’s vision. “Children are intelligent and capable. They are often in situations where the nearest adult is not immediately to hand, but they are in the right place to be able to help out in case of an accident. It is important that they know what to do. This also gives them a sense of confidence and security and builds their self-esteem,” he said. “The fact that Agnes Matrai has taken it upon herself to educate school students in life-saving skills is an amazing and wonderful thing. It’s the kind of altruism one doesn’t see that often.”

Why did Mrs Matrai specify that the training be done through MDA?

“First Aid training through MDA does two things,” she explained. “It gives the young people the necessary skills and you’re doing it for Israel at the same time. It’s very important to remember both these things. Every Jewish school and Jewish organisation should have First Aid training through MDA.”

Mrs Wendy Barel, Masada College Principal, reports that the venture has been a success on all fronts, with nearly 200 students having been trained so far.

“Masada College is delighted to be able to offer our students and staff the opportunity to have First Aid Training through MDA on a very regular basis. Masada parents recognise the importance of the knowledge and lifesaving skills that are provided by the course and are, along with staff at the College, actively encouraging their children to attend these holiday courses. Students themselves regularly initiate their own participation and enjoy the courses which are run with a sense of humour, while still emphasising the significance of the course in possibly saving lives.”

With her dream of every Jewish school and every Jewish organisation giving their people First Aid skills and helping Israel by doing it through MDA, Mrs Matrai has issued a challenge: “I call on others in the community to sponsor this training in all Jewish schools and organisations so that everyone has this dual opportunity.”

“We are so moved by Mrs Matrai’s vision and generosity,” said MDA NSW President Mr Roland Nagel. “We hope the community takes up her challenge to make First Aid Training and MDA a part of everyone’s life.”