President’s Excellence Award presented to MDA National Service Volunteers
Yesterday (Monday), the President of Israel held an emotional ceremony honoring the outstanding National-Civil Service volunteers of 2025. Among those presented with the award were two Magen David Adom (MDA) volunteers
Mira Bukai (20) from Akko, a Senior EMT, and Tehila Kadosh (21) from the Efrat Regional Council, a paramedic and training coordinator for MDA’s rapid response vehicles, both serving through the national service framework.
The ceremony, recognizing those serving on Israel’s civilian front lines, took place at the President’s Residence in the presence of President Isaac Herzog, his wife Michal, Minister of Settlements and National Missions Orit Strook, and Director of the National Service Authority Reuven Pinsky. A total of 29 volunteers were honored, including the two MDA representatives.
Tehila Kadosh, a resident of Efrat, serves as a paramedic and training manager for MDA's rapid response vehicles in Rishon LeZion. Due to the IDF reserve call-up of many MDA paramedics, Tehila worked around the clock beyond her regular volunteer hours, saving lives even under rocket fire. In addition to her operational role, she leads training courses for advanced emergency medicine, mentoring the next generation of lifesavers. Tehila performs all her duties with deep dedication, professionalism, and exceptional commitment.
At the ceremony, Tehila addressed the audience on behalf of all 29 honorees, sharing her personal experience:
“Today, we stand here humbled and honored, part of the thousands of national-civil service volunteers serving Israeli society in all its diversity. My peers and I chose to serve through the civilian track out of a sense of mission and responsibility. A couple of weeks ago, during Operation ‘Am K’Lavi - Rising Lion,’ I found myself with my team at the heart of devastation caused by a ballistic missile strike. While most Israelis were ordered into shelters, I was proud and grateful to be one of those entering the danger zone to offer lifesaving care. Moments like these only reinforce the profound mission behind our role — in both routine and emergency.”
Mira Bukai, a resident of Akko, serves as an MDA Senior EMT.
Demonstrating exceptional commitment, quick learning, and a deep desire to save lives, Mira successfully completed her EMT training and now serves on ambulances. She has participated in numerous emergency situations, showing professionalism, composure, and compassion. In addition to her fieldwork, she is responsible for MDA’s rapid response vehicles — ensuring they are fully equipped and operational, a task she assumed beyond her formal role. Mira has become a respected and central figure at her station, embodying dedication, humanity, and leadership.
MDA Director-General Eli Bin congratulated the award recipients:
“The strength of any organization lies in its people — the committed, professional, and diverse individuals who drive it forward. I commend Tehila and Mira on their excellence and thank them, and all our volunteers, for their outstanding contribution to MDA and to the people of Israel. They represent the very best of our society — those willing to sacrifice and help save lives.”
