Magen David Adom and the Israel Defence Forces Band Together to Fight Coronavirus
Magen David Adom and IDF Home Front Command work together on answering calls, addressing the concerns of Israelis and assisting where possible during this confusing time. MDA and the IDF Home Front Command established a unique and new call center for the purposes of answering calls to concerns of citizens and soldiers regarding coronavirus.
Sergeant Major Chaim Recht has a long history of giving back, both as a volunteer in the Israel Police and with his work in the Israel Parks Authority. Now, Chaim gives back by working in the MDA-Home Front Command joint call center. Within minutes of speaking to Israelis, it’s clear that Chaim has a strong desire to give help ease the fear among Israelis over this pandemic.
*Sgt. Mjr. Chaim Recht*
None of that is surprising considering Chaim’s history which includes twenty-five years of volunteer service with the Home Front Command and an additional ten years of volunteer work with Magen David Adom and the Israel Police.
Chaim recalls: "During my mandatory service I was part of the Nachal Brigade and in my reserve duty I came to the Medical Brigade of the Home Front Command. All I did was treat people who were rescued and train to do so as well as possible."
In his day to day life, Chaim is a father of two and holds two jobs as a high-tech employee and a park ranger at Palmachim Beach for Israel Parks Authority. After hearing that people were being recruited to the call center he joined immediately. "I packed a bag and came", Chaim said with a smile. "I had no qualms about the situation. My family of course is a bit worried but they know I am doing this for the right reasons."
"As a child I remember that my mother always helped people at every opportunity. That combined with my father being a Holocaust survivor, made volunteering and doing in the community one of the main values of our family, which I am also trying to pass on to my children. My own daughter was an MDA volunteer until she enlisted in the army. I always tell myself that 'as long as I can give to others, why not?' "
Now, while working shifts around the clock, Chaim tries to be as optimistic as possible when answering the phone calls. "I understand that this is a confusing situation which can bring up many questions. This is what we are here for", he says proudly.
"The best tip I can give during this time is to just follow instructions, maintain distance, and take care of your parents. This is the only way that we can curb the virus and continue."
