Pictured here from left to right: Paul Challan, Michelle Bowman, Katherine Kakela and Francis Englert in Jeruslaem.

The American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) team which departed on January 13th for a two month deployment as volunteers on Magen David Adom (MDA) ambulances has arrived in-country and settled into its temporary home. The team is participating in a program called the MDA Ambulance volunteer program in memory of Yochai Porat Z”l, which brings hundreds of young people from all over the world to work as volunteers on ambulances in Israel.

Over the next ten days Michelle Bowman, Katherine Kakela, Francis Englert and Paul Challen will learn some basic Hebrew and participate in a first-aid course that covers everything from simple bandages to sophisticated lifesaving techniques. Upon successful completion of the training, they will begin to serve the people of Jerusalem on-board the MDA ambulances.

"The timing for this special opportunity couldn't be any better,” said Terry Bischoff, CEO of the ARC/GNY. “Today the MDA is moving towards full membership in the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies -- a move which our Chapter has fully supported for many years.”

The Magen David Adom (MDA), the Israeli equivalent of the American Red Cross, plays a critical role in the day to day life of the city serving as its primary emergency response agency. The Greater New York Chapter has already benefited from several exchanges with MDA both here in New York City and in Israel.

“This is an excellent opportunity for our staff and volunteers to learn the response techniques which the Israelis have advanced exponentially,” said Scott Graham, ARC/GNY Chief Response Officer, “so that our Chapter can benefit from their experience.”

Once in the field, the team will meet the diverse population of Jerusalem and begin to make friends and gather some once-in-a-lifetime experiences. They will also spend their off-time touring the country and enjoying social activities with other members of the program and their professional colleagues.

We will continue to report on the team"s experiences next week.