Magen David Adom

Are you wondering how to help?

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“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, ‘May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.’

 For the sake of my family and friends, I will say,

‘Peace be with you.’”

~ Psalms 122: 6-8 ~

I first heard of the Magen David Adom, from my neighbor Phil, may he rest in peace.   He and I had many interesting conversations, in the years that I knew him, and there was much we disagreed about, nothing important – just religion and politics – yes, a smile crosses my face, as I type these words.

Phil honorably served in the United States Army, during World War II, but he was not a militant man, he wanted peace in the world, something we did agree on.

One day, when speaking about the Nation of Israel, he told me that for years, he supported financially, The Magen David Adom, which is Israel’s ambulance service.  He said he felt very good about this choice, and was now giving his checks in his granddaughter’s name, as well, since she was staying with him for a while.

I always thought that this was an ideal solution to wanting peace, yet supporting those whom war is repeatedly thrust upon.

Since this latest conflict in Israel erupted, I have been frustrated by my inability to help.  Yes, I pray for Israel and the peace of Jerusalem every night, as I have since I was a child, as the Bible dictates that we should, and if you are a personal friend, on facebook, I have posted stories and quotes, and shared the multiple placards, which those of like mind share; yet I cannot help but feel that there must be more, which I could do.  In thinking about how I might help, my dear Phil came to mind.

The Magen David Adom was birthed in 1930, by Karen Tenenbaum, a nurse who sought to aid all peoples, regardless of religious affiliations.  While not formally accepted into the family of The International Committee of the Red Cross until 2006, because of its logo, the Red Star or Shield of David; the Magen David Adom is Israel’s emergency responder, overseer of the blood banks, educator of first aid, and general assistance provider in emergencies, including the good kind, the delivery of babies.   They are primarily staffed by over 10,000 volunteers who selflessly give of themselves to help others, as should we all.

If you are sitting safely, at home, wondering if there is any way for you to help, might you consider following Phil’s lead, and donating to The Magen David Adom?

I know that for so many today, financial hardships weigh heavy, and I am not asking that you give beyond what you can.  But I ask that you think about what you can do.  Give if you can give, if not, perhaps you can share this information with someone else who is wanting to help, and has the means to make a donation.  I truly believe that any amount will be a blessing to those emergency responders and the people whose life they are working to save.  May God bless you and may He bless Israel.

http://www.mdais.com/

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I was speaking with my dear friend Fran, regarding the very disturbing news in the Middle East; Fran mentioned that she and her late husband, Milton, always donated money to the Jewish Defense Fund, whose reputation was impeccable.  The Jewish Defense Fund works to meet a wide variety of needs, in Israel, and will allow you to specify what area you would like your donation to help address; Fran says she always picks: Where most needed.

http://support.jnf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=donationprojects

If you know of an organization, which should be mentioned on this page, please let me know.