Learning How To Save Lives With Magen David Adom
While our Year Coursers are in Bat Yam, they have the option of volunteering with Magen David Adom, the emergency health services of Israel. This special program  teaches our participants life saving skills and allows them to put them to use in action. While the MDA program finished recently, our participants enjoyed their experience so much that they have applied to continue the program during the rest of their time on Year Course! Here is what a few of our participants have to say about the experience:
âOver my brief 3 or so weeks of volunteering for MDA, not only have I expanded my knowledge of very important life schools, but I have also learned how MDA operatesâin general but also in a place like Rishon. For the last few years, I have been obtaining many medical credentials from water safety to CPR. Through the 10 day training course, I was able to reinforce those skills Iâve learned. More importantly, being in the ambulance gives me the opportunity to put the theory to practice. Volunteering for MDA also showed me what hardships some of the denizens of Rishon have to go through. Iâve also learned about how MDA functions and some of the bureaucracy behind the life-saving society.âÂ
âIâve wanted to join ever since I knew that it was a possibility. I made a wonderful decision. We interact with all kinds of people who we would otherwise never meet. I am getting a glimpse into the different cultures that Israel has to offer just by walking into peopleâs homes and looking at their decorations and stylings. I have improved my Hebrew immensely by conversing with the patients and MDA teams who speak little to no English. I believe I am truly making an impact. I could not imagine a better volunteer placement.â
âOver the last few weeks my experience as a volunteer for MDA has been both eye opening and life changing. Being able to help others in the region has provided me with a better understanding of a whole new side of Israeli society that I had never seen before. Volunteering with MDA has allowed me the opportunity to both make connections with people outside of year course and learn more about myself. Upon returning home in May, I plan to enroll in an EMT course and apply what I have learned to my everyday life. Throughout these past few weeks I have done things that I had previously thought I was not capable of and I am so grateful for all that MDA has taught me.â
âThe lessons I've learnt from MDA and the experiences I have gained from it are invaluable and almost impossible to replicate in any other workplace. I've learnt how important it is to work in a team and to think before you act. I have learnt never to rush into anything, better to assess a situation with care and evaluate the best possible solution I can work towards.â
We are so proud of everything you all have learned and accomplished!!!Â
Times of Year Course is produced by Young Judaea, which offers gap year programs for young American adults with Jewish roots who want to experience Israel in an in-depth program.
Young Judaea programs are for people of all Jewish backgrounds, with no specific or religious opinions, who arenât afraid of eating too much falafel.
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