A unique program has allowed 40 Israel Bonds investors to join together to buy an ambulance in conjunction with American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA). The cost of the ambulance, $100,000, is usually purchased through a donation from one individual. A few years ago, then Israel Bonds Pennsylvania Region Executive Director Harold Marcus approached AFMDA Philadelphia Director Sharon Schmidt with a novel idea. Why not let individuals purchase an Israel bond in smaller amounts, donate them to AFMDA and when the aggregate of bonds donated equals $100,000, the Israel Bonds Pennsylvania Region/ Development Corporation for Israel ambulance will be purchased?


From left-right: Israel Bonds Pennsylvania Region Executive Director Ari Sirner, Philadelphia Campaign Chair Glenn Segal, past Women’s Division Chair Daryl Segal, Ambulance Campaign Chair Mitchell Gerson, incoming Women’s Division Chair Terry Auerbach, and Executive Director Emeritus Harold Marcus

Sharon and AFMDA thought it was a great idea and the program was born. Delayed somewhat by COVID, the Israel Bonds ambulance was dedicated recently during a ceremony at the home of Daryl & Glenn Segal. Donors were presented with a sculpture created specifically for this occasion by The Gary Rosenthal Collection and all attendees were afforded the opportunity to go inside the ambulance to see it firsthand.

After the dedication ceremony, attendees were addressed by Guy Caspi, a paramedic, chief multi-casualty incident instructor and director of hazmat exercises and operational training for Magen David Adom followed by brunch. During the event, Harold Marcus announced the kickoff of a new campaign to purchase another ambulance which is now $115,000. This now serves as a pilot program for other Israel Bonds regions that want to duplicate its success.

Photo: Alex Lowy Photography LLC