Michelle Bowman, ARC/GNY Assistant Director of Training and Logistics, writes about her historic trip to Israel to work as an MDA Ambulance Responder.

Today was another long day of training. We started at 8:30 am as usual, and learned about mass casualty incidents. Most of us will probably never see a mass casualty incident, but the lesson illustrated some of the most important aspects of MDA.

First, MDA is extremely prepared for this type of incident, exemplifying their long and integral history within Israel. According to MDA protocol, a mass casualty (aran in Hebrew) is considered to be any incident that has more patients than responders. Of course, most of us immediately think of terrorism, but a mass casualty can also be caused by car accidents, train accidents, or any number of additional causes. An aran is organized by the Pikud 10, or central coordinator, who wears bright orange, carries countless cell phones and walkie-talkies, and essentially directs the rescue efforts. Meanwhile, the other responders go through an elaborate process of prioritizing and treating victims.

Sarah made an extremely important point while teaching us about prioritizing victims. MDA never chooses which victims to treat based on religion, ethnicity or nationality. In other words, in a terrorism attack, an injured terrorist would receive the same treatment as any other victim. Some of the participants in our course found this policy to be strange, but to those of us from the American Red Cross it made perfect sense. This policy is perfectly aligned with the Red Cross tenants of humanity, impartiality and volunteerism. MDA's sign may be the red Star of David, but it clearly makes sense for the organization to join the International Society of Red Cross and Red Crescents in the coming months.

After this lesson, we prepared for and took our final written exam. We had studied extensively for the exam, so we felt well-prepared and had no problem completing the test. It was a great feeling when we were done—except for the fact that we had to turn around and study for the practical exam the next day.

At this point, I feel it is necessary to make the important point that our lives are not all about training and studying. Ever during this busy time, we are still exploring Israel and navigating life in an entirely foreign country. We have developed new rituals that meld our old life with our new surroundings. For example, it turns out that Francis, Kathryn and I are all huge fans of Diet Coke. Every day during our training, we would spend the afternoon break walking to the food stand to buy Diet Coke, and by the end of the day we would have at least five Diet Coke bottles spread out on the table before us. Old habits die hard.

I found that two of my typical addictions—checking email and coffee culture—could easily be fulfilled in Israel. By midway through the first week I discovered several coffee shops in downtown Jerusalem that had excellent chai lattes and free wireless Internet access. Several times over the last week, I headed out after training to touch base with people back home (and check my work email). Meanwhile, I can look through the huge windows at the nightlife of downtown Jerusalem, which tends to be active every night of the week (except Friday).

One night I was taking my walk downtown when I observed a strange site. A large van parked on the pedestrian strip was playing pounding techno music. Several men with traditional Orthodox Jewish haircuts and clothing were dancing in a circle, both behind and on top of the van. This odd experience seemed uniquely Israeli, but still inexplicable.  I took a quick picture and moved on. Later, with the help of my guidebook, I discovered that these dancers belong to a sect of Hasidim that follows the teachings of Nahman of Bratslav, a righteous man who encouraged his followers to dance to ward of depression and achieve a higher religious state. After spending a week observing countless new, diverse, and fascinating religious practices, I decided that this definitely had to take the cake.