To raise much-needed funds for the Jewish state’s only national medical emergency and blood service, Magen David Adom UK brought the taste of Israel to London this week in a series of three fundraising campaign dinners.

The fully-booked evenings, named Table75 and held in the Engine Rooms in north London, provided guests with Israeli-style cuisine by top Israeli chef Avishay Siag, in collaboration with leading kosher caterer Tony Page and his team of chefs.

Siag joked with the crowd as he introduced each shuk-inspired course, followed by a carefully curated pairing of whisky, donated by Israel’s first whisky and gin distillery, the award-winning M&H (Milk and Honey).

MDA

Chef Avishay Siag talks to attendees at MDA UK's Table75 fundraiser night, September 11, 2023 (Credit: MDA UK)

On a more serious note, Siag said: “All around the country, and where I grew up, far in the north of Israel, MDA motorbikes get to us in three or four minutes.

“For us, as Israelis, as soon as we need them, MDA are always there.” Video presentations documenting MDA’s vital work were shown throughout the evening.

MDA Israel’s Ilan Klein shared with guests that, like Rosh Hashanah, MDA “reflects on the past, focuses on the present, but always plans for the future”.

MDA UK

Israeli shuk-inspired food at MDA UK's fundraising night, September 11, 2023 (Credit: MDA UK)

He added that it must be the duty of Israel, and therefore MDA, to identify challenges early on and ensure they are prepared to confront them, including for a multi-front war.

The Marcus National Blood Services Centre in Ramla has, this year, been completed at a cost of £100m, thanks to a three-way collaboration between MDA UK, American Friends of MDA and the Israeli government.

MDA UK

Robert Ordever, MDA UK Chief Executive Daniel Burger, Susie Segal and Jack Segal at MDA UK's Table75 fundraising night, September 11, 2023 (Credit: MDA UK)

As the centre gets ready to fully open, attention is now turning towards the expansion of MDA operations right across the country.

The charity is seeking funding for an additional 300 ambulances and the training of more volunteers.

Funds raised will also enable MDA to expand and upgrade their integral AI systems, allowing dispatch centres to send up to 100 ambulances a minute.

MDA UK

An MDA ambulance (Photo: MDA UK)

Daniel Burger, chief executive of Magen David Adom UK, said it was “a privilege to address so many of our generous donors of ambulances, bloodmobiles, equipment and funds. We couldn’t do what we do without your support.

“We are proud to be celebrating 75 years of Israel and 93 years of MDA.”

Burger extended special thanks to Pastor John Hemus and his team who refurbished an MDA station in Mas’ade, a Druze village in the north of Israel, and who will be returning to refurbish a station in Jerusalem next month.

Next year, MDA UK will be celebrating its 75th anniversary.