Samaritan’s Purse is providing assistance to Israel as it recovers from the devastating Hamas attacks of October 2023. 

The Christian aid organization has already donated 20 ambulances to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical service. They plan to donate a total of 42 ambulances, with 28 being armored to withstand attacks.

Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, dedicated the newest ambulance at a ceremony near the Tower of David in Jerusalem, together with former Governor Mike Huckabee, MDA officials, and Israelis who survived terror attacks. 

The ambulance has a mobile intensive care unit and is designed to be used in active combat zones.

The funds for the ambulance were donated by Pastor Greg Laurie and his Harvest Christian Fellowship. Laurie told the attendees, “We want to declare that we stand with Israel. You are not alone.”

Franklin Graham read a passage from the Bible, noting that Abraham acted as a first responder when he rescued his nephew Lot.

“Abraham was the MDA of his time,” Graham stated. He also addressed three women who had either lost family members or been held hostage by Hamas. One of these women, Karina Engel, shared her poignant story. 

Engel’s husband, Ronen, was killed while defending their home, and she and her two daughters were abducted and taken to Gaza. They were held captive for 52 days before being freed. Hamas continues to hold Ronen’s body.

Karina told the audience that a Samaritan’s Purse ambulance, dedicated in memory of her husband, is now stationed near their home. 

“Every morning as I leave for work, I say ‘good morning’ to Ronen,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. She then placed a yellow ribbon on Graham’s jacket to honor those who are still being held hostage.

Mike Huckabee spoke at the ceremony, emphasizing that the need for an armored ambulance highlights the ongoing severity of the threat. “This occasion exists because of suffering,” he noted. 

“We are grateful for Samaritan’s Purse, Harvest Christian Fellowship, and the individuals who risk their lives to help others.”

Magen David Adom leaders expressed their gratitude for the donation. Director General Eli Bin stated that the ambulance “will be an integral part of our modern defense” and described it as a symbol of “kindness and protection.” 

Gilad Erdan, global president of MDA, said that Samaritan’s Purse “came to Israel’s aid when it was most needed.”

Edward Graham, a military veteran and Franklin Graham’s son, commented in a statement that he has witnessed the importance of rapid medical assistance in combat areas. 

“We do this because God loves Israel,” he said. “Our prayer is that this equipment will save lives and give glory to God.”

The ambulance features a Bible verse from Jeremiah 29:11 on its exterior: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

The ceremony took place during Shavuot, the Jewish holiday commemorating the giving of the Torah.

An additional twenty-two armored ambulances are currently under construction and are expected to be delivered by the end of the year. Samaritan’s Purse has stated that they will continue their work as long as the need remains.

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