Dear Friends,
In late October, a delegation of American supporters traveled to Israel for the Rise Together Mission, a four-day journey hosted by American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA). Held from October 20–23, the mission provided participants with an in-depth look at how Israel and its emergency-response network continue to rebuild in the wake of the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, and the missile assault launched by Iran in June 2025.
Over the course of the mission, supporters met with Israeli leaders, visited frontline communities, dedicated emergency vehicles, and witnessed Magen David Adom’s lifesaving operations firsthand. Highlights included visits to the state-of-the-art Marcus National Blood Services Center and MDA stations positioned along Israel’s southern and northern borders. Each stop underscored both the immense challenges facing Israel’s emergency medical system and the extraordinary resilience driving its renewal.
One of the mission’s most meaningful experiences took place at Kibbutz Karmia, where participants volunteered alongside families living in the Gaza Envelope. They then traveled to MDA’s Sderot station, seeing firsthand the devastation left by October 7 and the determined efforts to rebuild the region.
Later, MDA senior medic Ofir Ovadia guided the group through areas struck during Iran’s recent missile barrage, detailing how he and his team treated patients under harrowing conditions.
“Standing alongside our friends from AFMDA on what should have been a peaceful Tel Aviv street—now the site of terror—was a stark reminder of our reality,” Ovadia said. “As I described how our paramedics rushed in under fire, saving lives and evacuating families, I felt the deep concern and support of the mission participants.”
For many, the mission was deeply personal. “It was amazing to see the facilities and all of the technology and work that Magen David Adom is doing to support the community they serve and the Diaspora,” said one participant. “I am unbelievably grateful, and I will never forget this trip.”
Planning a Visit to Israel?
AFMDA welcomes visitors to explore MDA’s extraordinary facilities—including the Marcus National Blood Services Center and the Bloomberg Jerusalem Station—to see firsthand how donor support strengthens Israel’s emergency infrastructure and helps save lives every day.
To schedule a visit, make a year-end gift, or learn how to become more involved:
561.288.5658
With gratitude,
Leslie Viselman & Yishai Mizrahi Co–Area Directors, AFMDA Boca–Delray
