Magen David Adom’s new CEO behind telethon to fund a 4X4 life support ambulance
Recently appointed CEO of Australian Friends of Magen David Adom, Doron Lazarus will lead a team of volunteers from local schools youth groups in this year’s Red Sunday Pesach Telethon on 2 April.
“Before joining MDA, I was not aware that it receives almost no direct government funding but relies on supporters around the world for its life-saving work. The vast majority of the 13,500 medics, paramedics are in fact dedicated and selfless volunteers,” he explained.
Doron Lazarus
Doron and his family have a long history of volunteering with many charities, so the opportunity to work with a Jewish organisation was a natural step for him: “It is wonderful to be working as a professional but knowing that you are truly making a difference to people’s lives.
“My new role has provided me with the opportunity to continue my passion and commitment to Israel. It is a particular privilege to be able to join an organisation which has a direct and profound impact on Israel. Magen David Adom is held in similar regard as the IDF in terms of trust and respect, because it protects and saves lives every day. It does so by providing Israel’s emergency response and ambulance services, managing the national blood bank, as well as providing international emergency humanitarian services. “MDA has continued to grow in an environment where today’s donors expect to know the exact destination of their funds, and that their donation will have real impact.
Our current Red Sunday Pesach Appeal is raising funds for the purchase of a new fully equipped 4×4 Life Support Ambulance which is needed to provide lifesaving services in areas of rough terrain or under extreme weather conditions. It will also allow MDA paramedics to reach injured patients in Israel’s remote communities, often their only chance of survival.
As we celebrate this time of freedom, we know that our dear brothers and sisters in Israel yearn for the time that they will enjoy the freedom that real peace will ultimately provide for them. We thank you in anticipation for your generosity and encouragement to the many young volunteers from our schools and youth movements who will be calling for your support.
Since our last Telethon, there have been many exciting and positive developments both for the local community and Israel. All donations above $2 are now tax-deductible and we are focused on maximising the benefit of every contribution towards best meeting MDA Israel’s needs in their relentless quest to save precious lives.
Following our outstanding success in 2016 where we raised funds for 23 Medicycles, an Ambulance and a range of other medical supplies and equipment, 2017 will become an even more memorable year with an array of projects and undertakings for which MDA Israel has requested our support.
Donors appreciate that while Israel has experienced tremendous growth since its creation, leading the world in technology innovation, successfully addressed its water shortage and rescued Jews from hostile countries, it is imperative that we now protect its most precious resource, the lives of all its citizens. Our donors are comforted in knowing that Magen David Adom focuses on one thing and one thing alone, saving lives.
From our MDA family, we wish you, Chag Pesach Sameach with prayers for peace.
You can contribute towards a 4×4 Ambulance for MDA Israel by calling 9358 2521 or at www.magendavidadom.org.au
A typical Israeli chutzpa.
A state with a GDP-per-capita of almost $US 40,000/year, with one of the highest rates of millionaires in the world, is raising funds in Australia for its emergency medical services…
This is like a Caulfield man, who lives in a big house with a tennis court, sitting at the corner of Caulfield park and begs for money to buy a new pair of shoes.
Don’t you have a single bit of shame???
Israelis, please leave us alone and ask your government to solve your funding problems. Between billions of dollars for the Charedim and dozens of millions for the new public broadcasting corporation, they may find the funds for a new ambulance.
Ron, aren’t you ashamed?
Your pathetic “analogy” merely underlines your detachment from Israel’s reality:
If the Arabs left Israel in peace, the defence budget could be cut substantially, though the cost of absorbing olim would still need to be covered.
Defence and absorption of olim add up to a very large number.
Think again, Ron; this time, with your head.
No, why should I be ashamed of telling the truth?
What you wrote about Israel’s expenses is a collection of myths, which Israel nurtures uses very well in its relations with the Jewish diaspora. Israel presents itself as a poor country which desperately needs funds, while it is actually a wealthy country, with a GDP per capita of $US 37,300 in 2016 – similar to Italy and New Zealand.
The defence budget is only 6% of Israel’s GDP and only 18% of its budget. That’s all.
Olim? The Aliyya to Israel is of low numbers these days, and the budget used for absorbing them is negligible.
On the other hand:
– Israel spends zillions every year for sponsoring the fast-growing Haredi community, where most men do not work but live on welfare.
– Israel spends hundreds of millions on a new public broadcasting corporation, that most people don’t care about.
– Most 10yo kids in Israel have state-of-the-art smartphones.
– Israel’s roads are jammed with new cars. Every year a new record of number-of-new-cars-on-the-road is broken.
And you claim that such a state cannot afford an ambulance???