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Magen David Adom Unveils 96 New Ambulances to Mark 96th Anniversary
By Drooid · · How we work
Inauguration of 96 New Ambulances Marks MDA’s 96th Year
Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical service, held a ceremony at its headquarters in Ramla on Thursday to introduce 96 newly acquired ambulances. The event commemorated the organization’s 96th year of operation and was attended by MDA Director-General Eli Bin, Michel Katorza – president of the MDA European Friends Association – as well as MDA employees and volunteers.
Background and Fleet Overview
MDA currently operates a fleet of roughly 2,000 ambulances across Israel. The service, founded nearly a century ago, provides emergency medical care in routine situations and during large-scale incidents. The addition of the 96 vehicles expands the existing fleet by about five percent, reinforcing the organization’s capacity to respond throughout the country.
Funding and International Support
The new ambulances were supplied through donations coordinated by MDA’s international friends’ associations. Contributions came from supporters in the United States, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Belgium and Australia. These overseas donors, organized through national and regional friends groups, funded the acquisition and delivery of the vehicles to Israel.
Expected Impact on Emergency Response
MDA officials indicate that the expanded fleet will help shorten response times and improve medical coverage, particularly in areas where demand is high. The additional ambulances are intended to bolster the service’s ability to handle both everyday emergencies and mass-casualty events, thereby enhancing overall public safety.
Official Statements from MDA Leadership
Eli Bin emphasized that, despite the organization’s 96-year history, MDA remains a “young and strong” service equipped with modern lifesaving capabilities. He thanked the international donors for their “outstanding work” in strengthening MDA’s primary mission of saving lives. Bin’s remarks underscore the strategic goal of maintaining rapid, high-quality emergency medical response throughout Israel.