Pillar of Defense

From the Director-General’s Desk
Dear Employees and Volunteers,
Following the recent ceasefire, the Israeli home front is
gradually returning to normal in southern and central Israel.
MDA’s “Pillar of Defense” contribution was a badge of honor
for us all, employees and volunteers alike. Again and again,
under constant missile barrage, you went out to treat the
wounded at risk to your own lives. You did it
without hesitation and you rushed to every
assignment with a passionate belief in your
mission.
The number of missiles was unprecedented. Day after day, replete with incidents, MDA was at the hub of the
action – on average, an MDA ambulance was called out every 10 minutes.
This time, the Dan, Ayalon and Jerusalem regions were also enlisted into battle, areas that have not seen missiles
for decades. Nevertheless, these dedicated teams rose to the new challenge and performed impeccably.
During the eight days of fighting, MDA treated more than 300 people. Most were wounded directly from the
missiles while others were hurt while running for safety. Thousands of volunteers answered constant calls
from civilians who heard a missile fall nearby. Fortunately, in the vast majority of cases, the missiles caused no
loss of life.
So to you, the thousands of employees and volunteers who participated in the mission, I want to say a
personal thank you.
Volunteers from the north and the center who chose to take on consecutive shifts in the south…
Volunteers from overseas who came specially to help on the ambulances…
These angels could not just sit in their home countries doing nothing. They chose to get up, come to Israel
and do their bit. This is more than just solidarity. This is mutual responsibility to the extent of endangering
their own lives.
I want to extend a special thank you to the MDA Friends societies all over the world who wholeheartedly
supported us throughout the fighting. They worked non-stop in their own countries to publicize our work
in Israel and their activism is a huge expression of thanks to MDA and to you, our wonderful employees and
volunteers.
Know that your efforts are sincerely appreciated all over the globe.
Many public figures and senior security officials have seen MDA at work first hand over the last few days.
Every single one of them - without exception - has praised our efficiency, professionalism and the spirit of
commitment and responsibility for the Jewish people.
Always with you in your efforts, I too saw how ready and determined you were
to save lives. Words cannot express my astonishment at how you functioned
and the camaraderie and sense of purpose personified by each and every one
of you, true to the values and traditions of Magen David Adom.
I thank you and your families for your immeasurable support of MDA and I
pray that this will have been the last time we need to work under fire.
In deep appreciation.
Thank you!
Eli Bin
Director-General
MDA in Operation
“Pillar of Defense”
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