Congregation Beth Israel holds ribbon-cutting for ambulance donated to Israel
On June 14, Congregation Beth Israel in Scotch Plains held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil a new ambulance that will be donated to the people of Israel. The ambulance, financed by a targeted fundraising campaign, will join the fleet of Magen David Adom, Israel’s Emergency Services System.
MDA provides lifesaving care for people of all backgrounds in Israel, responding to medical emergencies ranging from car accidents to rocket attacks. As Israel’s official representative to the International Red Cross, Magen David Adom also responds to disasters around the globe. MDA relies on support from donors worldwide. Contributions from the United States are made through the non-profit organization, American Friends of Magen David Adom.
Last winter, CBI held a volunteer-led fundraising campaign to donate an ambulance to Israel as a Chanukah gift. In six weeks, the campaign raised $118,000 for AFMDA. AFMDA was able to construct a new ambulance and buy a training mannequin for Israeli EMTs and paramedics.
“I was greatly impressed by the generosity of our CBI community and how many congregants participated in the campaign,” Dr. Jay More said; he, Mitch Siegel, and Michael Belfer co-chaired the fundraising effort. “I am so inspired by the many ways we continue to show our support for and build our connections to Israel.”
More than 100 congregants attended the ambulance dedication ceremony. Speakers included clergy and lay leaders from CBI, as well as local and national dignitaries. CBI’s Rabbi Howard Tilman made introductory remarks and CBI’s Cantor Jacob Greenberg sang Hebrew songs. Dr. More and Melissa Liebermann discussed the ambulance fundraising campaign and thanked their fellow congregants for their participation and generosity.
Guest speakers included Scotch Plains Mayor Josh Losardo; Daniella Gefen, community shlicha from the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, Erin D’Auria, district director for Rep. Tom Kean; Ariella Rada, spokesperson and consul for media affairs at the consulate general of Israel in New York, and Michelle Herzenberg, associate director of Major Gifts for AFMDA. For information about CBI, call (908) 889-1830 or email office@cbisp.org. For information on AFMDA, go to afmda.org.