Dear Friends,
Last month, the world received long-awaited news: a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, and the return of living hostages. For all of us at Magen David Adom (MDA), it marked a bittersweet moment—the first glimmer of relief since that horrific morning of October 7th, 2023.
As Israel continues to heal, we remember not only those who came home, but also those who never returned—heroes who dedicated their lives to saving others. Among them were two remarkable MDA medics: Ronen Engel of Kibbutz Nir Oz and Lior Rudaeff of Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak. Their stories remind us of the deep humanity and bravery that define the MDA family.
Ronen Engel was known throughout his community for his adventurous spirit, warm humor, and unwavering commitment to helping others. A resident of Kibbutz Nir Oz, he became a volunteer medic just a few years ago—quickly earning respect for his skill, dedication, and humility.
On the morning of October 7th, when Hamas terrorists invaded southern Israel, Ronen did what came naturally to him: he rushed to help. Carrying his first aid kit, he ran toward danger to tend to the wounded. Tragically, he was killed while trying to save others, and his body was taken back to Gaza.
An avid motorcyclist, Ronen’s final journey home was marked by a powerful tribute: a convoy of MDA emergency medicycles and motorcycles escorted his casket to its resting place, as his body was returned to Israel following the cease-fire last month.
“Ronen was a beloved, skilled, and dedicated volunteer who saved lives and helped everyone around him,” said Eli Bin, Director-General of Magen David Adom. “Even that day, he left his home as an MDA EMT with his medical first aid kit, intending to fight terrorists and save lives—and he fell in the course of that mission.”
Ronen was 54 years old. He leaves behind his wife and three children—and a legacy of service that will never be forgotten. May his memory forever be a blessing.
Just a few miles away, another beloved medic remains unreturned. Lior Rudaeff, 62, was born in Argentina in 1962 and moved to Israel as a child. His family settled in Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, just north of the Gaza border, where he grew into one of the kibbutz’s most respected and reliable figures.
Lior’s passion for mechanics and community service defined his life. Whether working in the fields, driving trucks, or fixing machinery in the kibbutz garage, he embodied hard work and quiet dedication. For years, he volunteered as the kibbutz’s ambulance driver and medic, always the first to respond when someone was in need.
He also had a special connection with the next generation—teaching local children how to drive tractors and instilling in them the same sense of responsibility and care for others that guided his own life.
In 1985, Lior married his wife, Yafa, and together they built a warm home filled with love, laughter, and purpose. They raised four children and were blessed with three grandchildren, with whom Lior shared an especially close bond.
Initially believed to have been kidnapped alive on October 7th, it was later determined that Lior was killed that morning and his body taken to Gaza. As of this writing, his remains are still being held by Hamas terrorists.
He was a man of service, devotion, and family—and his absence is felt deeply by his community and colleagues across Magen David Adom. May his memory forever and always be a blessing.
Join Us: An Evening of Inspiration and Solidarity
To honor the bravery of our medics and celebrate Israel’s resilience, we invite you to join us for a special community event:
Tuesday, December 9
The evening will feature Jonathan Conricus, former IDF Spokesperson, who will share critical updates on the situation in Israel and his personal connection to Magen David Adom.
We are also honored to welcome Emmy Award–winning actress Patricia Heaton, founder of the October 7th Coalition, who will deliver a keynote address about faith, courage, and the global response to MDA’s lifesaving work. Tickets and sponsorships are available, location will be released following registration.
Every donation, every conversation, and every act of kindness helps strengthen Israel’s first line of defense in times of crisis—its medics. As Magen David Adom continues to rebuild, train, and equip its teams across the country, your support makes a direct and measurable impact on the lives of Israelis.
Whether you choose to sponsor emergency vehicles, fund mental health programs for medics, or simply spread awareness in your community, you are helping ensure that MDA can answer every call for help—24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
To our friends and supporters here in Boca Pointe and beyond—thank you. Your compassion allows us to continue the work that Ronen and Lior gave their lives for: saving others.
Am Yisrael Chai.
To register for the December 9th event or to get involved:
561.288.5658
With gratitude,
Leslie Viselman & Yishai Mizrahi
Co–Area Directors, AFMDA Boca–Delray
