On Monday 12th October, the Rosewood London Hotel played host to Magen David Adom UK’s ‘Blood, Sweat & Tears’ fundraising dinner. Some 320 guests attended the event and collectively raised £1.5m 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 Young Magen David Adom committee and volunteers, even sharing a few ‘selfies’ with them.
Speaking after the event, MDA UK Chief Executive, Daniel Burger commented: “It was amazing to see so many new faces join our loyal supporters for this year’s Blood, Sweat & Tears dinner. The atmosphere was electric and we are so grateful to everyone who contributed, enabling us to save more lives in Israel and across the world.”
Thank you to everyone who came and supported us – it is always a pleasure to welcome back our continued supporters and it was excellent to see so many new faces and to meet so many of our supporters for the first time.
