Heroes Honored as LA Community Support Israel’s Medics at AFMDA Gala

Hosted by Jonah Platt, and featuring remarks by Ambassador Gilad Erdan, the event brought together hundreds of supporters of Magen David Adom, Israel’s emergency services system

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (November 12, 2025) — Over 400 supporters gathered on Wednesday evening at a private estate in Beverly Hills for the American Friends of Magen David Adom Gala celebrating the lifesaving work of Magen David Adom (MDA) — Israel’s national emergency medical, disaster, ambulance, and blood services organization.

The evening raised significant donations to support Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency services system. Funds will go to augmenting the fleet of rescue vehicles, training and equipment for Israel’s paramedics and EMTs, and protecting the nation’s blood supply through the Marcus Blood Center.

Actor, singer, and writer Jonah Platt, the host of the hit podcast “Being Jewish,” hosted the evening’s program, which honored Elizabeth Goldhirsh-Yellin with the Humanitarian Award for her leadership and enduring commitment to the cause of saving lives in Israel.  Ambassador Gilad Erdan, Global President of Magen David Adom and former Ambassador to the United Nations, made inspiring remarks. Participants enjoyed a soulful musical program by The London Essentials. 

As part of the event, an ambulance was dedicated in memory of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, two young staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. whose lives were taken in May. Their parents, Nancy and Robert Milgrim and Ruth and Daniel Lischinsky, offered moving words on stage honoring their children. A second ambulance was dedicated in memory of Sami Liber, a beloved member of the Brentwood community. Carla and Rodney Liber, Sami’s parents, honored her with remarks.

Another program highlight was a special presentation by AFMDA CEO Catherine Reed to MDA Director Eli Bin and Chief of Staff Uri Shacham, who accepted the honor on behalf of MDA’s 34,000 volunteers.

“Joining with so many passionate supporters of Magen David Adom at the recent gala in Beverly Hills moved me deeply,” said Reed. “The ambience, the generosity of those gathered, and the palpable spirit of community filled me with gratitude and hope for our shared future.”

As participants mingled and nibbled, enjoying warm connections with new and old friends, many remarked on the sense of unity. Ambassador Gilad Erdan, MDA’s Global President, inspired the audience with words of strength at a time of rampant global anti-Israel sentiment.

“Our enemies attack to break us, but every time Israel rises stronger. In one year, the Middle East has been redrawn, terror networks shattered, and our hostages are home,” he said in his remarks. 

“This is the story of Israel and the story of Magen David Adom, whose lifesaving work has been central to our resilience. Our Arab partners maintained their accords even in the hardest moments, and new nations now want to join us. When Israel stands strong, we build a safer and more united region for all,” he added.