Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Visits MDA Headquarters in Ramla
Today (Thursday), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Magen David Adom (MDA) National Headquarters in Ramla. “MDA is the best emergency service in the world—because of people like you. I want to extend heartfelt thanks on behalf of the Government of Israel and the citizens of Israel.”
During the visit—attended by MDA Global President Gilad Erdan, Chairman of MDA’s Executive Board Rabbi Avraham Manela, MDA Director General Eli Bin, and other senior MDA officials—the Prime Minister toured the National Blood Services Center and visited the laboratories where blood units donated across the country are processed. The underground, fortified National Blood Bank—the first of its kind in the world—supplies blood to hospitals and the IDF in routine times and emergencies.
The Prime Minister also visited MDA’s protected emergency dispatch center, where emergency calls to MDA’s 101 emergency number are received. In times of crisis, this center also serves as MDA’s situation room. He was presented with an overview of MDA’s specialized emergency vehicles, including a Mobile Intensive Care Bus, Unimog rescue truck, medicycles, and others designed to reach areas with limited access quickly and efficiently.
While touring MDA’s National Dispatch Center, Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed all MDA staff and volunteers over the radio system:
“I am awe-struck by the system built here, and by the tens of thousands of volunteers. You are saving lives, and I want to express my thanks on behalf of the citizens of Israel. You are doing an incredible job—thank you. You are amazing.”
The Prime Minister then proceeded to the MDA auditorium, where dozens of MDA employees and volunteers were present. There, he was briefed on MDA’s operations during Operation “Am K’Lavi – Rising Lion”. He met with MDA staff and volunteers who provided medical care to hundreds injured by the missile attacks from Iran, assisted in evacuating patients and premature infants to protected areas, and led blood donation efforts.
Among those he heard from were Erez Geller, Director of MDA’s Carmel Region, who spoke about managing complex scenes in the north, and Ofir Shaish, Medical Deputy Director of MDA’s Ayalon Region, who described the challenge of treating hundreds of casualties in central Israel.
The Prime Minister also brought to the stage MDA volunteer Dalia Farihat, an EMT who, on her way home from a morning shift, found herself near a missile strike and treated two critically wounded individuals, including a 16-year-old boy with shrapnel in his neck—saving his life. He also honored MDA volunteer responder Daniel Stein, whose home was hit by a missile; after ensuring his family was safe, he went out and evacuated casualties from the scene himself.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
“I’m amazed. I saw the medicycles, the MICUs, the buses and ambulances, and I’m overwhelmed by it all. But above all, I’m overwhelmed by you—the men and women of MDA. What you’ve done and continue to do is unmatched anywhere in the world. Above all, the network of staff and volunteers—that is the people of Israel and the State of Israel at their best. You will receive the support—you deserve it. I’ve been told MDA is one of the best emergency services in the world, but I want to say—MDA is the best emergency service in the world, and it’s because of people like you. I want to express heartfelt thanks, on behalf of the Government of Israel and the citizens of Israel, to the thousands of EMTs and volunteers in Magen David Adom. May you grow stronger and continue to flourish.”
MDA Global President Gilad Erdan:
“I want to thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, for your important visit to MDA, Israel’s national rescue organization. This is a visit of support, strength, and solidarity with the tens of thousands of our paramedics, EMTs, ambulance drivers, and all MDA personnel. Today you understand even more clearly why the people call them ‘the warriors in white.’ Because while Israeli citizens have spent months running for shelter when they hear Red Alert sirens—these extraordinary people run toward danger, not to hide, but to help and save lives.”
MDA Director General, Eli Bin:
“I want to thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, for your visit today. Your presence is not taken for granted, it is deeply meaningful and provides real encouragement to our EMTs, paramedics, blood collectors, lab technicians, and all members of the organization who work day and night with unmatched dedication. During both Operation "Iron Swords" and Operation "Am K’Lavi - Rising Lion," MDA teams were, as always, the first to respond at the frontlines.
From the very first moment, MDA personnel rushed into danger, under fire, risking their own lives, providing lifesaving care with true courage at tremendous personal cost. Some fell in the line of duty, others were wounded, but all acted with bravery and unwavering devotion to the people of Israel.
Mr. Prime Minister, Magen David Adom has been able to meet the demands of these challenging times thanks to peak preparedness, the equipment, advanced technology, intensive training—and most of all, because of national backing we’ve received over the years. With this shared vision and commitment, we can ensure a safer and healthier future for us all.”
