Magen David Adom Deploys Reinforced Forces Nationwide Ahead of Yom Kippur
Magen David Adom operates on high alert ahead of Yom Kippur with 39,000 staff and volunteers. MDA urges the public to follow safety guidelines, prepare protected spaces, and stay hydrated.
As Yom Kippur approaches, beginning at sunset on Sunday, September 20, and concluding the following evening, Magen David Adom (MDA) has deployed reinforced forces across the country. All emergency vehicles will be fully manned, with approximately 39,000 employees and volunteers operating on high alert.
Medical Preparedness and Emergency Response
MDA notes that every year over 3,000 calls requiring medical treatment are received during Yom Kippur, and the organization is preparing for a similar scale this year. Common cases include worshippers feeling unwell due to the fast, dehydration, injuries from bicycles and scooters, children hurt during play, and pregnant women experiencing labor contractions. Thousands of workers and volunteers will spend Yom Kippur with an ambulance stationed at their homes, ready for immediate dispatch. Simultaneously, medics stationed in synagogues nationwide will be equipped with medical devices and defibrillators to provide primary care if needed.
Due to the security situation, MDA asks the public to verify in advance the location of the nearest protected space wherever they are staying. Parents whose children intend to ride bicycles or scooters are requested to ensure they know the safety guidelines in open areas and how to act during an alarm.
"Drive responsibly and carefully - on the road, in the synagogue, at home, and in public spaces," stated MDA Director-General Eli Bin. "Drink plenty of fluids before the fast and make sure to look after the elderly and children, aiming to get through the fast in the healthiest and safest way possible."
Fasting Recommendations and Safety
MDA recommends drinking at least two liters of water before the fast begins, while reducing consumption of coffee, tea, cola, and other caffeinated beverages. It is also advised to avoid particularly salty foods and sugary drinks, which can increase thirst.
For the pre-fast meal, it is recommended to combine complex carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vegetables to help maintain a feeling of fullness for a long time. Patients taking regular medications, the elderly, and pregnant women are asked to consult a physician before fasting.
Tens of thousands of children and teenagers are expected to ride bicycles, scooters, and rollerblades during Yom Kippur. MDA urges parents to check the condition of bicycles in advance, especially tires and brakes, and to ensure helmets and protective gear are worn. The organization reminds the public that fatal road accidents have occurred on Yom Kippur in previous years, emphasizing that safety rules must be strictly followed even when roads are relatively empty.
