Special ambulance dedications take place at Sopwell House
The Succot holidays are a time when, traditionally, hundreds of thousands of pounds of lifesaving vehicles are dedicated by Magen David Adom UK donors in Israel. This year, due to the restrictions imposed as a result of the coronavirus, it was not possible to dedicate in Israel, so instead, Israel came to the UK and the dedications took place in St. Albans instead.
Last weekend, in the grounds of Sopwell House, Magen David Adom UK’s generous supporters had the rare opportunity to dedicate an ambulance, all within a half an hour drive from their homes and in a fully Covid-19 compliant environment.
Families Green, Sinclair and Reiss, together with Richard Spector of the ‘Challenge 50’ group, all took the time to tour the vehicle to gain a better understanding as to how their contributions are saving lives.
It was the first time that a Magen David Adom ambulance dedication had taken place in England since the 1960s and provided a moment that no-one present will ever forget.
Speaking at his family dedication, David Reiss commented, “Our family is delighted to be involved with such a great cause through the Debra Reiss Foundation. We would have loved to have been able to share in this special occasion with Magen David Adom in Israel. However, under these unique circumstances in which we find ourselves, we enjoyed sharing this memorable occasion and seeing an Israeli Ambulance here in Hertfordshire.”
Daniel Burger, Chief Executive of Magen David Adom UK, said, “Once it became clear that trips to Israel were off the agenda for the foreseeable future, we wanted to do everything we could to ensure our donors could experience a dedication and see first-hand how their contribution will save more lives.”
Shanine Jajh, Director of Events at Sopwell House, said: “During a time where medical care and kindness is needed across the globe, we were delighted to host Magen David Adom UK’s event and allow them to continue their ambulance service and dedication in the St Albans area. It is a real showcase to what the amazing contributions have achieved, even if it had to take place in the UK for the first time in 60 years. We are very proud that they chose us to partner with for the occasion.”
