February 24, 2002
12 Adar, 5762
JerusalemHillary Clinton Visits Joint Jewish Agency Magen David Adom International Volunteers Program. Awards "First Responder" Course Graduation Certificates to American Graduates.
The Jewish Agency has brought 500 young adults to this ambulance volunteer program.
Senator Hillary Clinton visited a jointly run Jewish Agency-Magen David Adom international volunteers program, during her solidarity trip to Israel on Sunday, February 24th. Sen. Clinton attended the graduation ceremony of the latest class of 18 volunteers and personally awarded the coveted "First Responder" certificate to the nine American graduates of the course.
The new graduates join the over 500 alumni of this joint Jewish Agency Magen David Adom in Israel program. Volunteers, who are university students or college graduates, do an intensive week and a half course theoretical and practical in first aid. "The pressure is tough and we study well into the night," said Micha Cohler of New York City, who met with Senator Clinton. "This period is one which builds solidarity and esprit de corps among us," said Clara Beyler, of Neuilly-sur Seine, France. After completing the formal course work, the volunteers spend the rest of their two-month period on ambulances in various areas of Israel responding to calls, under the supervision of doctors and paramedics. They also receive lectures on Israel and a sightseeing tour is arranged for them. The volunteers are housed in Jewish Agency absorption centers in the areas of their service. Some of the volunteers were on the spot to treat victims of terror. Others saved lives of critical patients. All feel that this unique period of study and service enabled them to feel that they are part of Israel and the Jewish People. All will continue to maintain contact with Israel, and some have already volunteered for additional volunteer service in the Magen David Adom.
In addition to the nine volunteers from the USA, four volunteers from Great Britain, one volunteers from France, Mexico Argentina, Canada, and Australia completed the course.
Senator Clinton said that she was proud to stand among the young Magen David Adom volunteers. And that she would continue her efforts to have the Red Magen David Adom's "emblem and banner fly among those of the member organizations of the International Red Cross." Ms. Viki Angel, Deputy Director General of the Aliyah Department's Tnuat HaAliyah," which is responsible for selecting candidates abroad, bringing them to Israel, said that the Jewish Agency and Magen David Adom plan to open an advanced "Senior Responder" course, to accommodate course graduates who wish to perfect their skills.
The Jewish Agency likewise places volunteers who are already qualified first responders or medics with the Magen David Adom.
For additional information please contact Yehuda Weinraub, 055-284805.
For further information:
Contact the Office of the Spokesman:
Michael Jankelowitz
Liaison to Foreign Press and Media JAFI
Tel: 972-2-6202780
Fax: 972-2-6202708
Mobile: 972-51-601706