Gilad Erdan calls MDA ‘Israel's backbone of resilience’ at Jerusalem Post Summit
Criticizing the UN's failures, MDA’s Global President spoke of MDA's life-saving innovations and its critical role in securing Israel’s home front.
In a conversation with The Jerusalem Post’s Deputy Editor-in-Chief Tamar Uriel-Beeri during the Jerusalem Post 2024 Miami Summit, the former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations and the current global president of Magen David Adom (MDA), Gilad Erdan, spoke of MDA’s critical role in upholding Israel’s national strength.
Reflecting on his time at the United Nations, Erdan criticized the institution as having “lost its legitimacy.”He also accused it of becoming a tool for rogue states and organizations rather than upholding its foundational principles.
Erdan said his transition to MDA was driven by its embodiment of the values he cherishes.
“I felt that I need to continue my contribution to the State of Israel and the Jewish people in a different way,” he explained.
“The UN,” Erdan said, “perpetuates conflict and hate, while MDA saves lives every single day.”
Erdan lauded MDA as a cornerstone of Israel’s security, comparing its significance to that of the IDF.Further, he emphasized that while the IDF defended Israel’s borders, MDA protected its home front, responding to 95% of emergency medical events across the country.
“When you strengthen MDA, you directly thwart the enemy’s strategy of targeting our civilians,” Erdan said.Highlighting MDA’s advanced capabilities, Erdan pointed to what he called its cutting edge underground blood bank, designed to operate even during rocket attacks, and its fleet of 1,800 ambulances.
These innovations, he said, have drastically reduced mortality rates among wounded soldiers on the frontlines.
“MDA is one of the most advanced emergency medical services in the world,” Erdan stated, urging global support for its mission.
The evening also celebrated MDA’s leadership. CEO Eli Bin, recognized among The Jerusalem Post’s top 50 most influential Jews, could not attend due to the current security situation in Israel. Uri Shacham, MDA’s chief of staff, accepted the Jerusalem Post Award for Excellence in Emergency Services on Bin’s behalf.