Latin American Ambassadors Witness MDA’s Lifesaving Innovations

A delegation of Latin American ambassadors to Israel recently gained a rare behind-the-scenes look at the lifesaving operations of Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical and blood services organization. Hosted at the Marcus National Blood Services Center in Ramla, the visit showcased MDA’s advanced medical technology, rapid-response systems, and humanitarian mission.

The tour, organized by Ruth Wasserman Lande, MDA’s head of global strategy, and led by MDA Director General Eli Bin, gave the ambassadors a comprehensive view of MDA’s emergency infrastructure. This included its mobile intensive care units, ambucycles, ambulances, off-road response vehicles, Unimog evacuation trucks, and mobile intensive care buses.

One highlight was MDA’s AI-powered dispatch system, which is revolutionizing how emergency calls are managed. “This organization sets new standards in efficiency and innovation,” remarked Panama’s Ambassador Ezra Cohen, who was joined by fellow diplomats Antonio Ignacio López Escarré (Costa Rica), Tesla Flores (Honduras), María Cristina Cevallos Calero (Ecuador), Ava Atzum Arévalo de Moscoso (Guatemala), Héctor Celarié (El Salvador), and Alejandro Rubín (Paraguay).

During the visit, MDA’s Chief of Staff Uri Shacham shared emotional and harrowing accounts of October 7, when Hamas terrorists targeted MDA stations. He described how medics responded heroically, even as they were ambushed, and how a closed security gate at the Sderot station by what he called “a miracle” prevented terrorists from entering and causing a mass casualty event.

Shacham also illustrated the critical role MDA plays in daily life-saving scenarios. He recounted a story of a 6-year-old boy whose fingers were nearly severed. Through MDA’s rapid medical coordination and air evacuation, microsurgeons were ready to perform reconstructive surgery the moment he arrived, ultimately saving his hand.

The ambassadors toured the state-of-the-art Marcus National Blood Services Center the world’s first secure, underground facility designed to ensure uninterrupted blood supply to hospitals and the IDF during crises. They also visited MDA’s Sussman Human Milk Bank, which provides essential nourishment for premature and ill infants.

Several ambassadors ended the visit by donating blood, symbolizing their solidarity with MDA’s mission. “Visiting Magen David Adom today was a powerful reminder of the extraordinary role this institution plays in Israeli society,” Ambassador Cohen said. “MDA responds to moments of critical need with unwavering professionalism, cutting-edge efficiency, and above all, a profound human touch.”

Eli Bin emphasized the importance of the visit, noting MDA’s role as both a national institution and a global humanitarian partner. “Magen David Adom is Israel,” he said. “For over 95 years, we have been on the frontlines of medical and emergency response. We are honored to strengthen our connection with the international community through this visit.”

Israel’s leadership in emergency medical innovation and humanitarian care continues to inspire and save lives every day. Share this story or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about Israel’s lifesaving advancements.