On Sunday 29th November, The Lowry hotel played host to Manchester Magen David Adom UK’s ‘Blood, Sweat & Tears’ fundraising dinner. Some 220 guests attended the event and raised over £100,000 for Israel’s only national medical and emergency blood service. This money will be used to purchase the everyday essential consumables – the items that fill the ambulances and first responder kits that save lives on a daily basis. A short film featuring the blood, sweat and tears of MDA …medics and paramedics was shown. The film featured MDA paramedic, Ilan Klein, who following the film spoke briefly about his first-hand experiences and the life-saving work MDA carries out including some of the most recent attacks in the Old City and Jerusalem over the past days. Tragically, Ilan was present at the scene of the Henkin murder near Itamar. Guests were then entertained by comedy star, Jack Whitehall. Following his routine, Jack took the time to talk to the Manchester committee and volunteers, even sharing a few ‘selfies’ with them. Speaking after the event, MDA UK Chief Executive, Daniel Burger commented: “The Manchester community has always been generous in its support of Magen David Adom. It was incredible to see so many people come out to show support at a time when MDA in Israel is working under extreme pressure in very difficult circumstances.” Manchester Magen David Adom Chairman, Jeremy Hart, added, “It was incredible to see so many young people in the room tonight. The future of MDA, both here and in Israel, is in safe hands.” The appeal film, ‘Blood, Sweat & Tears’ can be viewed and shared here: https://vimeo.com/142119967 – See more at: http://mdauk.org/news/manchester-magen-david-adom-annual-dinner-2015/#sthash.uDD5YLuB.dpuf
