US administration outraged at MADA: 'Purchasing European ambulances with American money'

For 86 years, American Jews have been donating funds for the purchase of ambulances for the national rescue organization — Magen David Adom (MADA). The money is donated to the American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA) organization, and many American-made Ford and Chevrolet ambulances travel on the country's roads. However, in the last month, the US administration learned that the many millions of dollars collected in recent years from American Jews were partially invested by Magen David Adom in purchasing European-made ambulances.

A senior US administration official expressed his frustration and wrote in a letter sent to MADA leadership:

'Using American donation funds to purchase ambulances from European countries that hate Israel is an unacceptable act.'

We recall that for the Donald Trump administration, the 'America First' policy is not just a slogan but a principle from which trade, investment, immigration, energy, and foreign policies are derived. An Israeli official familiar with the details noted that the Americans were stunned to discover that hundreds of millions of dollars donated within the USA are leaving the USA instead of being invested back into the American economy.

Now the question arises whether MADA will align with the US administration or continue to use donation funds from the United States for procurement from Europe. MADA has barely bought American products in the last three years and mainly purchases Mercedes-made ambulances that are produced in Poland. As mentioned, American-made Chevrolet ambulances were purchased in the past.

A MADA spokesperson responded: 'MADA is not aware of such an appeal. The friends' societies purchase the ambulances in accordance with the organization's operational needs and the types of vehicles required. Most ambulances are purchased in the USA. MADA is the only organization in Israel that uses US-made ambulances.'