Magen David Adom UK

About Us

Young MDA was founded in 2004, with the mission of raising awareness and funds for MDA amongst other young professionals.

In less than 5 years, Young MDA has already held 25 successful events. All the events have been themed and micro-managed to exceed ordinary expectations. Over £150,000 has been raised from our events.

Magen David Adom provides its services to all, regardless of race, creed or ethnic affiliation. MDA's workforce includes a large number of volunteers working side by side for a common purpose: TO SAVE LIVES.

If you would like to know more or become more onvolved with the work on YMDA please contact Karen Lipkin at the MDA office on 0208 201 5900.

To Become a Young Patron

To become a Young Patron visit:

http://www.mdauk.org/committees/young_patron/

Our Projects

Young MDA secures sponsorship for each of its events and therefore we endeavour to ensure that 100% of all income from each YMDA event goes straight to Israel.

Since its inception, the committee decided to base its spending on the principle "Israel tells us what it needs and we try to buy it".

Defibrillator LP12

A filter System To circumvent emergency on line harassing callers MDA, like all emergency organizations in Israel, puts up with harassing on line callers in its regional dispatch centers. This on line harassment mostly comes from children and elders who dial up to several hundred times a day to the regional dispatching centers. Those calls dramatically burden MDA dispatching centers routine and emergency activities, affecting the performance MDA�s service to the general public. MDA, with the help of an outside computer company, has developed a software, the function of which, is to sift through those harassing calls and subsequently diminish the burden on the regional dispatching centers. A similar software is already being used by the Israeli Police and has proved its efficiency in regard to this problem. After determining the softwares requirements and receiving the legal approval to set it in motion, we are now ready to implement this system in all MDA dispatching centers.

An answering service system as part of MDAs aim to improve the organizations activities and heighten the level of services given by MDA dispatching centers This system enables the transfer of calls to voice compartments which dispense a wide range of medical data such as: Pharmacies and ERs turns of duty, MDA First Aid courses, Blood Donations at MDA stations, etc. This system is already in use in five regional dispatching centers and at MDA Blood Services as well as at MDA National Headquarters. This system will now be installed in the remaining regional dispatching centers (six of them).

Computer equipment laptop computers to aid with MDA training instruction.

Blood counter Young MDA are also very proud to announce that the funds you helped raise purchased a blood counter in the MDA Blood Centre at Tel Hashomer Hospital which the committee saw in full operation during its visit to the centre in May 2006. To read more about the committee's trip to Israel

The Future

With regular sell-out events, a reputation for originality and entertainment, and over £150,000 raised, Young MDA has already gone a part of the way to achieving its mission. But there is still a long way to go.

In May 2007, the committee was privileged to be part of a fact-finding mission in Israel. Having witnessed the MDA infrastructure and facilities in Israel and spent much time with the volunteers and leaders of the Charity, the committee fully understands the needs of MDA and its reliance on its supporters and donors. Young MDA will work tirelessly to further its mission by broadening its range of events, increasing its network of donors and extending its reach outside of London.

Making a donation to Young Magen David Adom

A donation towards the work of Young Magen David Adom can be made by credit or debit card using our secure online donation facility and choosing 'Young MDA' from the 'Make a donation' selection box.

Past Events

CLASS OF 48' PROM - YOM HA'AZMAUT PARTY - 30TH April 2009

On Thursday 30 April, 300 young professionals attended Young Magen David Adom's Yom Ha'atzmaut celebrations.

£4000 was raised from the sell-out 'Prom' themed party, held at Clerkenwell House in the City.

The venue had been decked out with props to bring the 'prom' theme to life, including inflatable instruments, Blues Brothers hats and sunglasses. Revelers enjoyed free vodka shots and the sounds of DJ Jonny Bluestone who even played some Israeli music in keeping with the occasion.

Young Magen David Adom Co-Chair Harry Thwaites was thrilled with the achievements of the night.

" It's fantastic that so many young people came to celebrate Israel's independence, and in doing so raised money for her essential emergency medical services that MDA provides. That was our third event in seven weeks, all of which were sell outs. We are very grateful to our guests who continue to support us and attend our events - and they certainly seem to enjoy themselves!"

FRIDAY NIGHT RELOADED - 27TH March 2009

On 27 March 2009 Young Magen David Adom held a Friday Night Dinner at the Lauderdale Road Synagogue for 120 guests.

£5000 was raised from this event and will go towards Young Magen David Adom's current campaign to raise money to support medical aid for the people of Sderot.

Young Magen David Adom Co-Chair Daniel Geey was thrilled by the success of the event. ""Young Magen David Adom's second Friday night Shabbat dinner was sold out again. The whole committee were delighted that so many people flocked to Lauderdale Road shul to make such a great atmosphere, enjoy a fabulous meal with friends and learn a little bit about more about the vital work of Magen David Adom."

EX-MAFIA MAN TALKS TOUGH FOR MAGEN DAVID ADOM

Ex-Mafia man / turned author Louis Ferrante spoke at length about his time in the New York Mafia to a sell out crowd of 150 people last Sunday night (9th March). The event took place at The Adelaide Pub, London and raised £3,000 for Magen David Adom's continued efforts on the Gaza border.

Ferrante discussed how he got involved in small time crime and how these events caught the attention of the larger mafia circles who got him involved into the serious world of organised crime. On being imprisoned for 9 years, Louis went on to explain the cold reality of prison life, the long periods of solitude and his eventual love for reading which lead him down the path to discovering Judaism.

Young Magen David Adom Co-chair Harry Thwaites said" "His talk was full of good humour and harrowing tales. The gritty realism of his experiences captured the imagination of the entire audience."

Co-chair Daniel Geey added "YMDA sold out its event yet again and the money raised will ensure that Magen David Adom in Israel will continue to save more lives."

Gothique Ball Brings in £60k for Magen David Adom

On Saturday night (6th December) over 300 people attended Young Magen David Adom's Gothique Ball. The sell out event was held at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel, the venue suitably dressed to match the theme with Gothic style artistes and a fortune teller entertaining guests.

Over £60,000 was raised on the night and this money will go towards urgently needed supplies and resources in Sderot.

The live entertainment was provided by the Pure Orange Band and the appeal was made by Magen David Adom Israel paramedic, Karen Lipkin.

Lipkin commented, "Sderot may be out of the news but it's still in the firing line. Young Magen David Adom is committed to the people of Sderot and saving more lives"

Harry Thwaites. co-Chair of Young Magen David Adom said, "It was a great evening - another sell out - and it just goes to show how, even in these difficult times - young people are ready to get behind Israel's medical emergency service to save more lives."

Young MDA Football an the Media - 31 August 2008

Young MDA's football and the media panel discussion event attracted a lively crowd of 120 football fans at SJW Shul last night, raising £5,000 from ticket sales and the auction of signed football shirts. The distinguished panel was comprised of two esteemed journalists, Henry Winter and Raphael Honigstein, the former Chelsea and England star Graeme Le Saux, and the eminent sports lawyer and agent, Mel Goldberg. The event was generously sponsored by Football Aid, The JC, Power League and Winkworth. After a champagne and canapé reception, with the panellists mingling with the guests, the fascinating 3 topic discussion began, which focused on the influence of the media in football today. The panellists were extremely informative giving a fascinating insight from their expert perspectives. Their anecdotes were thoroughly entertaining, and the two Q&A sessions enabled the audience to ask some intelligent and thought provoking questions. After the half time break, 8 signed and framed football shirts were auctioned off, which included a Tottenham Hotspur and Everton shirt, signed by this season's entire squad, and a Chelsea shirt which Graeme Le Saux signed on the night. The final item to be auctioned was an evening attending a premiership game with Henry Winter and assisting in his report of the match. The discussion then recommenced for the final topic followed by a final Q&A session. The Young MDA co-chairs, Daniel Geey and Harry Thwaites concluded the evening by expressing their thanks to the panellists who gave up their time for free, to the Young MDA committee for their hard work, and to the all the guests for attending. It was a great success, with guests and panellists commenting on what an enjoyable, and unique event it had been.

YMDA SELL OUT EVENT

Young Magen David Adom celebrated Israel's 60th Anniversary on the beach last Saturday night and raised £6,000 in the process. The venue was Graphic in London's Golden Square and although it was not quite Tel Aviv, the bar was decked out with surf boards, beach balls, buckets and spades as waitresses in straw skirts weaved around the palm trees to serve cocktails from coconuts.

Young Magen David Adom's reputation preceded them as the success of previous events created a huge demand to celebrate Israel's birthday with them. So much so that for this sell out event tickets were changing hands at well above face value in the days leading up to the party.

Event organiser and Young Magen David Adom co-Chair Daniel Geey said, "Our party really caught people's imaginations and where else to celebrate the past 60 years than on the beach, whilst raising significant funds to help Magen David Adom save more lives in the process."

The committee's next event, a 'Gothique' Ball is scheduled for later this year and is sure to be extremely popular. Tickets go on sale later in the Summer.

Business Breakfast - 7th March 2008

FROM ISRAEL TO AFGHANISTAN FOR BREAKFAST

Young Magen David Adom hosts Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles

Sixty people attended the Young Magen David Adom business breakfast at the Danubius Hotel, St Johns Wood, on Friday 7th March where Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, British Ambassador to Afghanistan was guest speaker.

The talk was kindly sponsored by Israel Discount Bank, and Sir Sherard spoke on the subject of 'Britain in Afghanistan'. Sir Sherard also recalled some of his fascinating experiences as British Ambassador to Israel and Saudi Arabia. The question and answer session that followed provided those present with the opportunity to probe Sir Sherard on questions regarding the Middle-East, Terrorism and the future of the region.

Young Magen David Adom co-chairman, Harry Thwaites, commented,"It was a great privilege to have Sir Sherard, one of our foremost diplomats, as our guest speaker. We are very grateful to Israel Discount Bank in facilitating this event via their generous sponsorship. Plans are already underway to arrange another eminent speaker for the next in our series of Young Magen David Adom business breakfasts."

Arctica -17th December 2007

YOUNG MAGEN DAVID ADOM HOST GLITTERING WINTER PARTY-ARCTICA

250 People attended twentyfour:london in Kingley Street last Sunday night for the Young Magen David Adom winter themed party, Arctica which was sponsored by Direct Bikes. It was a night of sub-zero decadence with £6500 raised for Magen David Adom UK.

Fake snow, giant ice-cubes and sparkly-lit silver trees adorned the club. Guests were treated to music from DJ Johnny Bluestone as well as entertainment from professional silver-painted dancers and free vodka in ice-cut shot glasses were handed out. Young Magen David Adom Co-Chairman, Daniel Geey, commented, ""The Arctica theme worked so well that people were phoning me up before hand asking if they needed to wrap up warmly even in the club! The decor really made the evening a standout occasion and much thanks should be given to club 24, the whole YMDA committee for their sterling efforts and the 250 people that braved the truly icy conditions outside to contribute to another hugely successful YMDA party. We are please to announce that over £6,500 was raised to help fund emergency life saving equipment in Israel."

Young Magen David Adom hosts regular and diverse events, targeted at the 20-35 year old age group, to raise funds for Magen David Adom, Israel's only medical emergency and blood service.

Business Breakfast with David Jenkins - 2nd November 2007

Young Magen David Adom (YMDA) held a Business Breakfast at the offices of Field Fisher Waterhouse in the City with special speaker David Jenkins, the Executive Director of Football Aid. Over 40 early birds made it for the coffee and croissants followed by an interesting session with David.
Daniel Geey, assistant solicitor at FFW and co-chairman of the YMDA committee introduced the event. He was followed by Lewis Cohen, senior assistant of the firm, who spoke briefly about FFW's sports practice and introduced David.
David oversees full responsibility for both Field of Dreams and Football Aid Trading Limited. He comes from an extensive background in media, sports marketing, commerce and technology. Field of Dreams is a charity which aims through its fundraising business (Football Aid) and grant making activities to support medical research directed towards finding a cure for and improving the quality of life of young people with type 1 diabetes.
The event, which was jointly hosted by FFW and YMDA was highly constructive, a good networking opportunity and hugely enjoyable morning for all concerned.
Ultimate Poker - 17th Ocotber 2007

IT'S A GAMBLE FOR THE TWO NEW YOUNG MAGEN DAVID ADOM CHAIRS

Harry Thwaites, 25 and Daniel Geey, 26, the two new co-Chairs of Young Magen David Adom put the stakes high at their first event as Chairs, the 'Ultimate' Poker Tournament 2007. The event, which attracted 110 players, raised over £8,000.

Harry Thwaites commented, "We were thrilled at the success of our first event as Chairs. Magen David Adom helps to save more lives in Israel every day and it is our duty to inspire the young members of our community to be a part of its critical work."

David Gross with David Kahtan, who runs the new Young Patrons programme commented "It is great to see that the 'Ultimate' Poker Competition is becoming a permanent feature in the diaries of serious players. I look forward to seeing the two new Chairs help Young Magen David Adom to continue to grow and flourish".

Midsummer Masquerade Ball - 17th June 2007

Young Magen David Adom's Midsummer Masquerade Ball raises £50,000 for urgent medical supplies

On Sunday 17th June, 250 masked guests attended the Midsummer Masquerade Ball at Café Royal, London, raising over £50,000 for Magen David Adom. Organised by Young Magen David Adom, the dinner and dance was the first event of its kind to be hosted by the committee since it's inception three years ago. The impressive variety of entertainment that included jugglers, a jester, live music and a colourful Balloon Raffle all added to the spectacular Venetian experience.

The recent rocket landings in the Israeli town of Sderot have had a huge effect on Magen David Adom. Despite depleted medical facilities, Magen David Adom Medics have continually been at the scene, providing medical assistance to those in need. The money raised from the Masquerade Ball will be used to help support these medics and provide much needed emergency equipment.

Young Magen David Adom Chairman, David Kahtan, commented, "The Midsummer Masquerade was simply fantastic. The generosity of the young professional audience that attended coupled with donations by members of the community has enabled Magen David Adom to continue to help the people of Israel by saving more lives."

Young Magen David Adom hosts regular and diverse events, targeted at the 20-35 year old age group, to raise funds for Magen David Adom, Israel's only medical emergency and blood service.

Yom Ha'azmaut Israel 59 - 23rd April 2007

YOUNG MAGEN DAVID ADOM TURNS CAMDEN BLUE AND WHITE

Young Magen David Adom's Yom Ha'atzmaut party at Camden's trendy Proud Gallery attracted young party-goers in their 20s and 30s last night. Over 400 people turned up to celebrate Israel's 59th birthday and to help raise over £8,000 for Magen David Adom.

With everything from blue and white candy floss to watermelon, blue coloured champagne drinks, Tequila girls dressed as Israeli soldiers, dancing and Israeli music from Jonny Bluestone, the event had a very strong Israel theme. One guest enthused, 'with Israeli music blasting and all the dancing, you forgot you were in Camden. There was a real feeling of celebration whilst at the same time raising funds for Magen David Adom's important work'.

David Kahtan, Chairman of Young Magen David Adom, said 'it was great to see so many people coming together to celebrate Israel's independence and raise awareness and funds for Magen David Adom in Israel'.

Pure Poker - 28th January 2007

Business Breakfast with Ronald Thwaites QC -12th December 2006

Com Amor do Brasil - 3rd September 2006

BBQ and Jazz afternoon at The Roof Gardens - 3rd September 2006

Pure Poker - 13th August 2006

YMDA and BICOM Business Breakfact at Bank Leumi - 29th June 2006

Moulin Rough at Cafe de Paris - 19th March 2006

From can-can girls, burlesque dancers to snake charmers, this event was our most successful to date. Over 700 party people gathered at famous Café de Paris to experience a night of magical cabaret, and Ziddler, surrounded by feather boas and masks. The winner of the raffle scooped a prize for 2 to Paris on Eurostar to see Moulin Rouge

Strickly Poker at The Regents Park Marriott - 27th November 2005

100 pokers players chomped on cigars, all competing for a trip to Las Vegas.

Rumble in the Jungle - 6th November 2005

Over 600 people attended this event held at one of London's top nightclubs. Entertainment included a Snake charmer, an African Tribe and Band, Bongo players, and our very own Young MDA gorilla!

A La Cubana at The Floridita - 11th July 2005

350 revellers partied to the salsa sounds of DJ Jonny Bluestone and a fabulous Cuban band whilst twice world champion salsa dancers spiced up the night even further.

Young MDA Cards 'N' Cocktails - 10th April 2005 sponsored by EasyOdds.com

Over 300 people flocked to Mayfair and enjoyed music from DJ Johnny Bluestone and a free cocktail!

At 8.30pm, the expert poker tournament director explained the rules and the game commenced. 68 people vied for supremacy in a Texas Hold'Em "freezout" (meaning that once a player loses all of their chips they are out of the game). With a big stack of starting chips there was plenty of time to make a move but as "blinds" (compulsory starting bets) increased the pressure started to mount. Sunglasses were donned, cigars were smoked and whiskeys were downed. By 11.15 only 8 we left standing and the final table commenced. With a posse of party-goers crowding around the action, Young MDA committee member David Gross dealt the cards. In a classic final showdown, Justin Marshall's concealed pair of Jacks turned into a straight on the final card and we had a winner. Justin won a trip to Las Vegas courtesy of sponsors www.easyodds.com and if his poker form continues, the locals had better watch out!

Young MDA launch party at The Collection -12th December 2004 sponsored by Bank Leumi (UK) plc.

What the press said:
Jewish Chronicle - December 17th 2004

"First aid: some 450 revellers raised more then £8,000 at Young Magen David Adom's Launch party at the very aptly name Collection nightclub in Kensington. Guests partook of the unlikely combination of Chanucah doughnuts and tequila before taking to the dance floor to sounds provided by top club DJ Jonny Bluestone and Adam Ratsker"

The Jewish News - December 17th 2004

"Collection for MDA: Trendy South Kensington venue The Collection provided the backdrop for the launch of Young Magen David Adom's new committee on Sunday night.

The 10-strong group hosted a party at the bar for 450 guests,whom they entertained with free tequila shots, dancers and a restaurant raffle including dinner at Kaifeng and vouchers for Met Su Yan.

To give the do a festive feel, doughnuts were handed out on arrival and a Chanukiah lighting took place later on.

Young MDA chair David Kahtan was delighted the event raised more then £8,000 for the charity. He said; "It was great to see the enthusiasm of so many young people coming together to support MDA, and we are particularly grateful to Bank Leumi for sponsoring the venue."

Contact us

Young Magen David Adom