The Knesset Health Committee Visits Magen David Adom Headquarters in Ramla
Committee Chair MK Yoni Mashriki Praises MDA Teams: “They Faced Unprecedented Challenges and Passed the Ultimate Test Successfully”
This morning, Thursday, the Knesset Health Committee visited the Marcus National Blood Services Center. During the visit, a discussion was held with committee members, including Committee Chair MK Yoni Mashriki, MKs Tatiana Mazarsky, Yasser Hujirat, Michal Woldiger, Yaron Levy, and Merav Ben Ari, as well as Health Committee Director Michal Divner Carmel and Committee Spokesperson Yigal Amitai.
Alongside MDA Director General Eli Bin and MDA Global President former Israeli Ambassador to the UN and the US, Gilad Erdan, as well as other senior MDA officials, the committee was presented with an overview of MDA’s activities during times of war and emergencies, specifically since the beginning of Operation Iron Swords in both the southern and northern regions.
The committee members also heard about the challenges faced by MDA dispatchers who received difficult calls on the morning of October 7, as well as stories of the EMTs and paramedics from the Gaza border communities and Sderot, who provided medical care under live fire during the early moments of the conflict. Additionally, accounts of heroism were shared about MDA teams who sacrificed their lives while offering medical assistance.
During the discussion, committee members were briefed on key decisions made by MDA Director General Eli Bin on the morning of October 7. These included the full staffing of all 1,400 MDA ambulances, extending the night shift, immediately initiating blood donation campaigns, reinforcing MDA forces in southern Israel, and monitoring the northern front for potential developments. Dr. Raphael Strugo, MDA’s Medical Deputy Director General, also presented an innovative pilot program aimed at providing more effective medical responses to mental health emergencies through specialized teams.
Following the discussion, committee members toured MDA’s fortified blood bank, the first of its kind in the world. They received a comprehensive overview of the process blood donations undergo before being supplied to hospitals, the IDF, and field casualties.
Committee Chair MK Yoni Mashriki:
“The events of October 7 placed MDA teams at the forefront of unprecedented challenges. They faced the ultimate test with remarkable professionalism and courage. While the entire nation grappled with pain and uncertainty, MDA teams stood on the front lines with bravery and dedication, paying a heavy price. MDA is the backbone of emergency medical care in Israel, and its responsibility is unparalleled.”
Gilad Erdan, MDA Global President:
“Before discussing quality of life, we must address the fundamental right to life itself. This is MDA’s essence: saving lives 24/7. Your visit here as a Knesset committee, aimed at learning how to strengthen life-saving capabilities, is a critically important step. In an era where the primary security threats target the home front, MDA is a central pillar in the ability to save lives. MDA is the backbone of our national resilience. Our enemies aim at the home front, and therefore, as Israel’s national rescue organization, MDA must remain strong, well-equipped, swiftly deployed, and ready for any challenge. We all bear the responsibility to bolster and support it in every possible way.”
MDA Director General Eli Bin:
“As Israel’s national rescue organization, Magen David Adom bears the responsibility of providing immediate medical response to the country’s citizens during both routine and emergency situations. I commend the Health Committee members for their visit and interest in MDA’s activities. During these complex times, we are witnessing the critical importance of emergency medical infrastructure. Recent events have underscored the need to strengthen MDA and provide the necessary tools to deliver optimal medical care. Bolstering the organization is a national imperative to ensure the safety and health of Israeli citizens in any scenario.”
