In continuing to prepare for the holidays, Magen David Adom, Israel’s emergency services, came out with a statement as reported in Israeli media that warned Israelis to not feed children under the age of five regular fish with bones or even Gefilte Fish (a traditional Jewish dish eaten on the Sabbath and High Holidays), for fear of choking on hidden bones.
Additionally, MDA warned of the contamination that large amounts of fish consumption can cause. Officials also asked people not to drive after eating large or heavy meals.
Magen David Adom’s blood supply centers have asked citizens all across the country to come out and donate blood due to the expected shortages that often occur during the High Holiday season.
Over Yom Kippur in particular, when millions of Jews are marking the solemn day with a 25-hour fast, emergency services all over Israel are on high alert.
“Many units of blood are required to treat the injured during this season, and one unit of donated blood can save three lives,” explained Shimon Bitton, director of Magen David Adom for the northern Carmel Region. “We are talking about a life-saving national initiative, and we all must take part.”
The holiday season, both in the spring and fall, have been known to be problematic for blood bank resources as there is often a higher need for blood transfusions and increased need for blood donations. Statistically, the number of accidents often rise during the holidays and more blood is needed, especially after the depletion from the war this past summer.
MDA has been preparing for this holiday season by establishing new blood donation centers and mobile donation units around the country. They also created a website and an online app available for smart phones where one can find out up to date information about where the closest blood donation center is.
MDA administration also decided that they would set up volunteer run food collection centers for the benefit of those living in the south, who were hard hit during Operation Protective Edge.The items are being collected by all MDA stations across the country and the food items and other donated products will be sent to ambulance stations in the south. From there, the items will be distributed to the inhabitants in the area.
Jonathan Feldstein, Director of Heart to Heart, an organization committed to supporting MDA and sustaining Israel’s blood supply, told Breaking Israel News: “Whether there’s a shortage or specific need or not, more resources are always needed. Whether visitors come to donate blood in person, or not, the growing support for Heart to Heart is a blessing for all Israelis to provide resources to sustain Israel’s blood supply. There’s no more practical or meaningful way that one person overseas can bless Israel and save lives in Israel than by supporting Israel’s blood bank which benefits all Israelis. We invite and encourage everyone with a heart for Israel to join us.”
For those who are unable to donate in Israel, Heart to Heart offers a unique virtual blood donation that supports Israel’s National Blood Bank. To learn how you can give a virtual blood donation, click here.
