MDA israel

A special 2nd night candle-lighting ceremony was held at the Jerusalem MDA Station, in the presence of designated National Security Minister MK Itamar Ben-Gvir, MDA Director General Eli Bin, head of Kiryat Arba municipality Eliyahu Libman, Rabbi Dov Lior, Chairperson of Rescuers Without Borders Hanan Malka, Shaare Tzedek Hospital Trauma Unit manager Dr. Alon Schwartz, MDA Jerusalem Regional Manager Ori Shaham, chair of the Judaism and Halacha committee in MDA Rabbi Yehuda Dana, and other honored guests. 

Four special awards were presented to MDA EMTs who were at the scene of the terror attack in Kiryat Arba and risked their lives - Ofer Ohana who was seriously injured in the attack while treating Ronen Hanania who was killed in the attack, Yisrael Lior, Yoni Bleichbard and Benaya Weinberger. The award pins were presented by MK Itamar Ben-Gvir, MDA Director General, and head of the Kiryat Arba municipality. 

MDA EMT Ofer Ohana (53), a Kiryat Arba resident who was seriously injured in the terror attack

During the attack, as he was providing life-saving treatment to the injured, the terrorist opened fire towards Ofer and his team, seriously injuring Ofer. Throughout his action, Ofer showed extraordinary composure, devotion to the mission in an extraordinary way, at great personal risk, and all this for the sake of saving human lives.

MDA EMT Yisrael Lior (39), Hebron Resident

Yisrael immediately went to the scene and joined Ofer. At Ofer's request he returned to the vehicle to report on the condition of the victim, when the terrorist opened fire and seriously injured Ofer. Yisrael began providing immediate life-saving treatment, and helped move Ofer to a secure area until the arrival of further forces. All this was done under fire, and thereby saving Ofer's life. 

MDA Senior EMT Yoni Bleichbard (49), Hebron Resident

As he arrived at the scene, Yoni saw the terrorist firing, and acted to neutralize him. During the firefight, Yoni himself was injured, but this did not prevent him from continuing to provide medical treatment and evacuating the victims from the scene. After ensuring that the injured were evacuated, he attended hospital himself. 

MDA Senior EMT Benaya Weinberger (44), Hebron Resident 

As he arrived at the scene, Benaya took command of the scene, and was declared "Command 10" (medical scene manager). Benaya ensured evacuation of the injured along with critical treatment for the victims. Benaya's effective and professional actions at the scene while in danger, under great stress and while taking personal risk, greatly assisted the rapid evacuation of the victims. 

MK Itamar Ben-Gvir: "A great miracle occurred here thanks to the MDA heroes, who make us all smile. The festival of Hanukka represents the bravery of the few to face the many, strong in the face of the enemy, and to fight. When I look at you, the righteous people of MDA, I see this bravery, you who save lives around the clock and don't hesitate to act under fire. Continue to strive in your mission to save more and more lives, and continue to do good for the people of Israel. You are our miracles, our brave people, our heroes. Continue to do your incredibly good deeds, continue to spread the light. And you Ofer, I am so emotional to see you. It is simply a miracle to see you. When you were injured, there was a great sadness among us all. When we see you here, it brings us great joy. Thanks to you all. Happy Hanukkah! 

MDA Director General Eli Bin: "I remember the day of the terrible terror attack. We heard as events developed over the radio and suddenly understood that an EMT had arrived at the scene to save lives, and was seriously injured. I tried to call you, Ofer, and when you didn't answer I realized that something terrible had happened. During this terrible terror attack we discovered heroes who saved lives, while risking their own lives." 

Ofer Ohana who was seriously injured in the terror attack: "There were many miracles at this event, including the fact that EMT Yisrael Lior was there with me, and throughout the whole incident. It was one big miracle, thank God that the rest of the teams who arrived weren't injured, that the terrorist was neutralized and couldn't continue to fire at the rest of the teams. I hope that in future we'll only get sent to women in labor, but if we have to, we will of course attend every incident." 

Eliyahu Libman, head of Kiryat Arba municipality: "This evening we met with those who continued the path of the brave Maccabees, even 2,200 years later. I'm not surprised by your bravery, because the residents of Kiryat Arba and Hebron are educated to bravery and dedication to the people of Israel, and your actions saved many lives. We are here for all of the people of Israel, and this is our mission." 

As the speeches ended, certificates of recognition were awarded to other EMTs who saved lives in the terror attack, and Rav Dov Lior spoke to the audience: "I'd like to wish that all MDA teams will follow the example of the brave EMTs in Hebron, who will make a difference and do an important things for the people of Israel. We should merit that the dedication seen here and in other places, that what you do to save lives in Israel, that God will bring a speedy redemption. Be strong and successful."