What is MDA?

This summer, from the beginning of June to the end of July (2019), I will be taking part in the Overseas Volunteer Program for Magen David Adom (MDA). But... what is MDA you ask?
Magen David Adom is the national emergency medical service in Israel, largely composed of volunteers who dedicate their time to helping civilians in disaster situations. It originated in 1899 as a first aid corps in the Anglo Boer War in South Africa, but was later transformed to a nationwide volunteer association in the year 1930. It was officially recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as the national aid society for the State of Israel in 2006 and continues to operate as a non-governmental, non-profit organization. From the onset of its existence the symbol of MDA has been the Star of David, and the name (written as מגן דוד אדום in Hebrew) translates directly to "Red Shield of David". In other words, this organization is basically the Jewish version of the Red Cross, however the beauty of it is that MDA provides help to any and all residents of Israel who may need it, whether they be Jewish, Muslim, Christian, or anything in between.


As a participant in the Overseas Volunteer Program, I will be learning and actively volunteering at MDA alongside some awesome, like-minded people from all over the world. We will start with a 10 day intensive training session, after which we will be deployed to our pre-designated stations. I have been stationed in the city where my family lives, Holon, and I am so grateful to be able to spend almost a whole summer with them as I embark on this journey. Am I excited for the (not even exaggerating) 105℉ summer days? No. But am I excited to make incredible friendships, learn lots of super cool things, and maybe even save some lives along the way? HECK YEAH!!

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