Magen David Adom Warns Israelis of Risks Ahead of Yom Kippur

Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's national emergency medical service, is significantly increasing its readiness across the country for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which begins on the evening of September 20th. Approximately 39,000 MDA staff and volunteers will be on duty, with all ambulances fully staffed to handle the expected surge in medical calls, which typically exceeds 3,000 annually during the holiday. Common reasons for calls include dehydration, fasting-related ailments, and injuries to children and cyclists.

Beyond the usual holiday demands, MDA is also factoring in the current security situation. Israelis are urged to familiarize themselves with the locations of the nearest protected spaces in case of air raid sirens. To facilitate rapid response, some MDA personnel will remain on standby with their assigned ambulances at home, ready to deploy immediately. Additional medical support, including equipment and defibrillators, will be available at synagogues.

Parents are specifically advised to ensure children, who often spend Yom Kippur outdoors on bicycles and scooters, know where to quickly seek shelter during an air raid alert. MDA has also requested that synagogue donation collectors have a smartphone ready to call emergency services at 101 or use the My MDA app for precise location sharing in emergencies.

MDA has also issued guidance on preparing for the fast, recommending gradual hydration in the days prior, limiting caffeine and salty foods, and consuming a balanced final meal. Those with chronic conditions, the elderly, and pregnant women should consult their doctors about fasting and medication. Special assistance will be provided to women undergoing fertility treatments who require timely hormonal injections.

MDA Director-General Eli Bin emphasized the need for caution in all locations and highlighted that the organization's preparations address both the traditional increase in medical calls and potential security emergencies. He noted that empty roads, while seemingly safe, can still pose risks, citing previous years' fatal accidents involving cyclists and scooter users.