25 New Medics Join Magen David Adom's Southern Rescue Teams
Twenty-five new paramedics have completed nearly a year of intensive training in emergency medicine and first aid, marking their graduation in a ceremony held in Ashdod. The graduates received their certificates and equipment, officially joining the volunteer ranks of Magen David Adom's (MDA) southern rescue teams, which operate around the clock.
The training program, which lasted close to a year, was conducted by paramedic Baruch Avitan and senior medic Chagai Cohen. The graduates will now serve in the Ashdod and Lachish region, bolstering MDA's life-saving capabilities in the area.
Officials from MDA's Lachish region and Ashdod branches expressed their satisfaction with the ongoing collaboration between MDA and the southern rescue organization. Eitan Lasri, Deputy Director of MDA's Lachish region, highlighted the professional and fruitful partnership, stating that the addition of 25 new medics significantly strengthens the regional medical response. Igor Artal, Director of MDA's Ashdod cluster, emphasized the close cooperation between MDA staff and volunteers, calling the new medics an important addition to the city and the entire region.
Meir Ashkenazi, Deputy Director of MDA-Hatzala South, conveyed the blessings of Chairman Rabbi Michael Schwartz, who was unable to attend. Ashkenazi thanked those involved in the training and praised the excellent cooperation with MDA Ashdod, noting that the combined efforts provide residents with faster, more professional, and higher-quality medical care. Rabbi Moshe Bonim Mintz of MDA-Hatzala South addressed the volunteers on the halachic (Jewish law) responsibilities of those involved in saving lives, stressing the importance of understanding both medical procedures and religious law, especially during Shabbat and holidays.
The ceremony also acknowledged the instructors and the Ashdod branch management for their dedication. Representatives of the graduating class expressed their gratitude to the instructors and the MDA-Hatzala South Ashdod branch for their investment and support throughout the training period, presenting them with a token of appreciation.
