JNS
“Now, I’m shifting focus to another front of our enemy’s strategy—strengthening Israel’s home front,” former Israeli U.N. envoy Gilad Erdan told JNS of his new role at Magen David Adom.
Gilad Erdan, who stepped down recently as the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, sees his new job as global president of Magen David Adom as another theater in which to take on the Jewish state’s enemies.
“Over the past four years, I’ve been focused on combating false narratives and upholding the legitimacy of the Israel Defense Forces and our security forces,” he told JNS. “Now, I’m shifting focus to another front of our enemy’s strategy—strengthening Israel’s home front.”
Erdan, who has held several ministerial roles as a member of the Likud Party and who has overseen Israeli first responders, including police, firefighters and emergency services in a role that he compared to the U.S. secretary of homeland security, spoke to JNS at the beginning of the American Friends of Magen David Adom’s gala on Wednesday night at Cipriani 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan.
The actress and activist Debra Messing emceed the event, which drew more than 600 people. It honored Nathaniel Buzolic, better known as Nate Buzz, an Australian actor (“The Vampire Diaries”) and pro-Israel advocate, as well as featured former Miss Israel and former IDF combat medic Noa Cochva.
“MDA is the backbone of Israel’s resilience,” Erdan told JNS. “Knowing that calling 101 will bring the best medical care within seconds strengthens people’s sense of safety and security. That is why it is crucial to ensure MDA is fully equipped and deployed across the entire country. It directly counters our enemy’s strategy to instill fear and terrorize civilians on the home front.”
Overwhelming public response
Philanthropist and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who spoke via pre-recorded video, was recognized at the event for his $44 million donation to Magen David Adom earlier this year.
“After the horrific attacks on Israeli civilians on Oct 7, I felt a strong responsibility to stand with the people of Israel and offer my support during this incredibly challenging time,” he said in the video message.
“When I announced a matching gift for MDA, the public response was overwhelming,” he said. “Together, we raised tens of millions of dollars from more than 30,000 people, all united in condemning terrorism and supporting freedom and democracy.”
Following Bloomberg’s address, Bank of America was recognized for its efforts in combating Jew-hatred and its support of those impacted by the Oct. 7 attacks, including a $2 million donation last year. Aron Levine, chairman of preferred banking at Bank of America, accepted an award and reiterated his support for MDA’s mission of “treating any patient in need, regardless of their religion, race or creed.”
Many of the event’s attendees were new supporters of Magen David Adom, including those who were inspired to get involved after Oct. 7.
“My wife and I were asked to attend, and considering everything that’s happened this past year, it was an easy decision to say ‘yes,’” Ross Zelman, a member of the gala’s host committee, told JNS.
“Coming here made me think about what it must have been like to be an American during the Holocaust—unsure how to help from so far away,” the White Plains, N.Y., resident said. “But 80 years later, we can be more proactive as Jews and do what’s needed to make a real impact.”
With 35,000 volunteers and employees, MDA is Israel’s national emergency services system, providing emergency treatment and transportation to more than 1 million people annually.
Wednesday night’s event raised funds to cover expanding MDA’s fleet of ambulances, upgrading equipment and ensuring that the Marcus Blood Center—the world’s first underground, anti-missile blood center—remains fully operational during times of crisis.
A resident of the Bronx, N.Y. told JNS that he was attending an American Friends of Magen David Adom dinner for the first time.
“This year, I thought, ‘If not now, when?’ This is the time to support an organization that’s helping so many people in Israel during these difficult times,” the man said.
“Whenever there’s an attack in Israel, Magen David Adom and other first responders are the ones on the scene, providing critical help. The least we can do is attend a dinner, contribute a bit, enjoy some good food and do a mitzvah.”
“This was the year to show up and do our part,” he added.
‘Hate motives us to push harder’
Guests enjoyed a dinner with the theme “Israel in New York,” featuring an Israeli-inspired menu, including pulled-lamb baklava and sesame-chicken-schnitzel challah rolls, and music by the popular duo the Shvesters, who performed throughout the night in Yiddish, English and Hebrew.
They also sang a moving rendition of “Eshet Chayil” (“Woman of Valor”) in honor of the late Amit Mann, an MDA paramedic who was murdered while treating the wounded in Kibbutz Be’eri on Oct. 7.
Donor cards presented attendees with the opportunity to support Magen David Adom on various levels, including sponsoring a bulletproof command-and-control vehicle; a basic life-support ambulance; and essential services like breast-milk processing for babies in urgent need and blood-donation drives.
“The climate on social media is tough, but as influencers and activists, the hate we receive motivates us to push harder,” Cochva told JNS. “If there’s still misinformation about Israel, it means we have more work to do.”
“Israel places the value of human life above everything else,” according to Cochva, who was attacked by a protester in New York during an anti-Israel protest in late March. “We do everything possible to save lives—whether they are loved ones, enemies or hostages. People should care about Magen David Adom because they are truly the barrier between life and death for so many.”
The night ended with remarks from Nate Buzz and Erdan.
“Magen David Adom has a clear purpose, and I hope tonight has inspired us all to support the amazing work they do for the State of Israel,” said Buzz, a self-proclaimed Christian Zionist.
“For the Jewish community gathered here, you have your own challenges to overcome and a powerful purpose to fulfill,” he added. “I believe the best of the Jewish people is yet to come because you are a chosen people, loved and guided by Hashem.”
Erdan told the audience that “by supporting Magen David Adom, you are not just saving lives. You are standing at the front lines of Israel’s defense.”
“Together, we send a clear message,” he added. “Am Yisrael Chai.”
