One of the greatest privileges of my role is witnessing the extraordinary connections between our community here in the UK and the people of Israel.

Over recent months, that connection was brought vividly to life during the visit of Israel’s First Lady, Michal Herzog. As Magen David Adom UK continues its journey Towards Machratayim, “the day after tomorrow”, Michal has become a passionate champion of the mental health and wellbeing programmes helping Israeli society heal and rebuild. Through our support of MDA Israel, we are proud to be investing not only in saving lives today, but in strengthening lives for tomorrow.

Her visit to Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation in Manchester is something that will stay with me for a long time. It was the community’s first major gathering of remembrance ahead of the first anniversary of the Yom Kippur attack on the synagogue. The atmosphere was one of resilience, unity and reflection.

One particularly moving moment came as Rabbi Walker spoke about Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, whose memories were being honoured through the dedication of MDA first responder cars. As he spoke, emotion overcame him. It was a deeply human moment that captured both the pain of loss and the determination to create a lasting legacy.

On a personal level, it was also a privilege to accompany Michal to JCoSS. As a parent of children who attended the school, I was proud to see her experience firsthand the warmth, confidence and vibrancy of one of our community’s greatest institutions. It was a reminder of the strength of our Jewish schools and the young people they help shape.

Machratayim is ultimately about making things better tomorrow than they are today, building a stronger society, supporting wellbeing and creating hope for future generations. These experiences reminded me how much there is to be optimistic about.

Daniel Burger
Chief Executive
Magen David Adom UK

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FIRST LADY BUILDS A BRIDGE TO ISRAEL

Magen David Adom UK was proud to welcome Israel’s First Lady, Michal Herzog, to London for the inaugural Bridge to Israel Awards, celebrating individuals and organisations who have strengthened ties between the UK and Israel through leadership, advocacy, philanthropy and community engagement.

Held at JW3 and attended by hundreds of guests, the awards formed part of MDA UK’s ‘Towards Machratayim’ campaign, as the organisation looks ahead to its centenary in 2030.

The evening recognised those who have worked to support Israel, build meaningful connections between communities and make a positive impact during a particularly challenging period.

Hosted by broadcaster and comedian Josh Howie, the ceremony brought together representatives from across the Jewish community and beyond. Awards were presented to individuals whose contributions span advocacy, education and community impact, all helping to strengthen understanding and connection between the UK and Israel.

Among the recipients were Miles D’Amore-Mackay, recognised for his contribution to Israel advocacy and community engagement; Hen Mazzig, honoured for his international work in education and social media advocacy; and Libi Fileman, celebrated for her inspiring leadership and commitment to youth engagement, receiving the Jake Marlowe z”l Award for Young Impact.

Russell Jacobs, Daniel Burger, Judy Saphra, Michal Herzog, Barry Segal, Ilan Klein

Ilan Klein, Nathalie Hazout, Michal Herzog, Michel Ktorza & Daniel Burger

In her keynote address, Michal Herzog spoke about unity, resilience and partnership, paying tribute to those who continue to build bridges between people and communities.

During her visit, she also dedicated a new mobile ambulance exhibition, donated by MDA UK Vice President Barry Segal, which will travel across the UK to share the story of Magen David Adom and inspire future generations.

The Bridge to Israel Awards reflect the values at the heart of MDA’s work, saving lives while strengthening bonds between communities. MDA UK looks forward to next year’s Bridge to Israel Awards.

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FIRST LADY VISITS HEATON PARK

Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation

The congregation in Manchester came together for a moving day of reflection and remembrance, including firsthand accounts of the attack that took place at the synagogue on Yom Kippur 2025.

From the moment she arrived, it was evident how committed Mrs Herzog was to strengthening the bonds between Israel and Jewish communities around the world. Her visit was met with enormous warmth and appreciation, providing an opportunity to celebrate the enduring connection between the local community and Israel.

The purpose of the visit was the dedication of two Magen David Adom first responder cars in memory of Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz. The ceremony was a moving tribute, ensuring their legacy will live on through the saving of lives across Israel. The community was grateful to Michal Herzog for her time, generosity and support. It was a visit that strengthened the bonds between Manchester and Israel, showing how remembrance and hope can unite communities across continents.

Joining the First Lady were broadcaster and barrister Robert Rinder, members of the synagogue committee and Rabbi Walker. Together, they spent time with members of the community, listening to personal experiences and reflecting on the challenges faced over the past year.

A particularly poignant part of the visit was hearing about the attack at the Synagogue on Yom Kippur 2025. Mrs Herzog and Robert were shown around the building and told of the horrors of that day. For many present, it was an
important opportunity to reflect on the lasting impact the attack has had on families and the wider community, while recognising the strength and courage shown in its aftermath.

One moment that stood out was Michal’s emphasis on the importance of community, mutual responsibility and hope. Her remarks highlighted the role that strong communal bonds play in sustaining individuals and families through difficult periods and in building a brighter future for generations to come.

Michal Herzog visits JCoSS

Impromptu Lunch Michal Herzog, Brenda Elton

First Lady Meeting The Community In Heaton Park Synagogue

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Magen David Adom UK has supported the transfer of five decommissioned
ambulances to assist Christian and Druze communities in southern Syria, in a humanitarian initiative developed in partnership with the International
Fellowship of Christians and Jews.

The ambulances, formerly in service with MDA Israel, were refurbished and equipped with medical kits before being handed over to local emergency teams. MDA paramedics also provided hands-on training to Syrian responders to ensure the vehicles can be used effectively in life-saving situations.

The initiative reflects a long-standing commitment to standing with communities on
Israel’s border who have shared the burden of living in a volatile region, and who have paid a heavy price for their identity and faith. It forms part of wider efforts to strengthen emergency medical response capacity in some of the most vulnerable areas of the region.

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As missile sirens sounded across Israel on 28th February 2026, Magen David Adom teams responded immediately. MDA activated emergency protocols, with ambulances and intensive care units deployed across the country. During the Iranian missile attacks, MDA teams provided medical treatment to more than 2,390
people, with paramedics and volunteers treating the injured, delivering urgent care at the scene and transporting patients to hospital, while continuing to operate under threat.

The commitment of our colleagues never falters, even in the most dangerous circumstances. The courage and professionalism shown by MDA’s volunteers and
paramedics during these attacks is a reminder of why Magen David Adom’s work matters so deeply, and why support for our community is so vital.

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Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, a Mobile Intensive Care Unit and two First Responder Cars were dedicated, helping Magen David Adom continue its lifesaving work across Israel.

Magen David Adom UK officially launched its new ‘Towards Machratayim’ series with a special evening featuring Hillel Neuer, Executive Director of UN Watch, marking the start of a five-year journey towards MDA’s centenary in 2030.

Machratayim, Hebrew for “the day after tomorrow”, reflects the need for hope, healing and a better future following the trauma, fatigue and pain still being felt across Israel. The campaign is centred on giving to save, giving to fix, giving to mend and giving to heal, supporting MDA’s volunteers as they respond to the emergency and humanitarian needs of Israel’s diverse communities.

Addressing supporters and guests, Hillel spoke about the importance of standing up for truth, challenging misinformation and defending human rights in an increasingly complex world. He also praised Magen David Adom as a humanitarian organisation that serves everyone in Israel, regardless of background, faith or ethnicity.

The series continued in June with a private dinner featuring freed hostage Eliya Cohen, who shared his remarkable story of survival, resilience and hope. Despite everything he endured in captivity, Eliya spoke of never losing his faith and belief that he would return home. His story reflected the very essence of Machratayim, the belief that even in the darkest moments, hope for a better tomorrow must endure.

These events have brought supporters together to reflect on Israel’s challenges while celebrating the resilience, courage and humanitarian values that lie at the heart of Magen David Adom.

Towards Machratayim series Daniel Burger, Hillel Neuer

Eliya Cohen