Reverend Franklin Graham of Samaritan’s Purse surprised Israel’s emergency services system by pledging to donate 20 more ambulances during a dedication ceremony of two armored ambulances. The unveiling of the ambulances for Magen David Adom was done in memory of three American-Israelis killed by Hamas. Counting Thursday’s pledge, Samaritan’s Purse has donated 42 ambulances to Israel since the war with Hamas began on October 7, 2023. Rev. Graham expressed his admiration for the MDA team, calling them heroes who save lives every day, and stated that it was an honor to stand with them. The mayor of the Eshkol Regional Council welcomed Graham as a true friend of the state of Israel.
Rev. Graham also laid the cornerstone for a new Magen David Adom station in Avshalom, which borders Gaza, during the dedication ceremony. The new emergency station aims to decrease wait times for Israeli paramedics to reach emergencies along the Gaza border. MDA also partners with the Red Cross to respond to disasters worldwide. Samaritan’s Purse is working on another Magen David Adom station in Shlomi, on the northern border of Israel. Eli Bin, MDA’s director general, expressed mixed emotions of hope and despair, emphasizing the importance of Graham’s support to MDA and the state of Israel. Bin stated that the building of the station is a bridge to a more hopeful future.
Samaritan’s Purse donated 14 ambulances to MDA in January after Hamas forces destroyed rescue vehicles during the October 2023 attack. During the recent dedication ceremony, Rev. Graham dedicated eight additional Magen David Adom armored ambulances and two new MDA stations. MDA director general Eli Bin expressed gratitude for Graham’s generosity, stating that the entire people of Israel are indebted to him and his organization. Samaritan’s Purse offers humanitarian aid in more than 100 countries worldwide, providing assistance to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine, and persecution.
Rev. Graham emphasized the significance of the new ambulances and ambulance center near the Gaza border, recognizing the great need for such resources in Israel. He expressed his commitment to providing 20 more armored ambulances to support the life-saving work of the MDA team. The dedication ceremony honored the lives of the three American-Israelis killed by Hamas, highlighting the importance of supporting emergency services in conflict zones. The presence of Samaritan’s Purse in Israel, with its ongoing donations of ambulances and support for MDA, serves as a symbol of solidarity and friendship between the organization, Rev. Graham, and the people of Israel.
The partnership between Samaritan’s Purse and Magen David Adom reflects a shared commitment to saving lives and providing assistance to those in need. The dedication of new ambulance stations and armored ambulances demonstrates the ongoing support and generosity of Rev. Graham and his organization towards Israel’s emergency services system. The impact of Samaritan’s Purse’s donations and humanitarian efforts reaches beyond Israel, as the organization offers aid to victims of various crises worldwide. Rev. Graham’s dedication to helping those who are suffering, both in Israel and around the globe, serves as a testament to the values of compassion and solidarity that guide Samaritan’s Purse in its mission to provide relief to those in need.
