- March 24, 2025
- 3:12 pm
- Ukraine
An important international training on emergency medical assistance was held in Kyiv, organized by the Israeli service מגן דויד אדום (MDA) — Magen David Adom. The participants were volunteers from the Ukrainian branch of the Red Cross, who, like their Israeli colleagues, face real threats to civilian lives on a daily basis.
The event was supported by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and the Italian Red Cross. Israel is not just sharing its experience — it is transferring proven knowledge, technologies, and principles of crisis response to Ukraine.
“This is a practical gesture of solidarity between Israel and the Ukrainian people. Together we learn to save lives”, —
emphasized Ambassador of Israel to Ukraine Michael Brodsky, who personally attended the training.
What Israeli medics taught Ukrainian volunteers
The Israeli MDA team arrived in Kyiv not with lectures, but with hands-on training. The sessions were based on simulations closely resembling real wartime and emergency conditions. Key skills that were practiced included:
- providing first aid in cases of bleeding and injuries;
- performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR);
- organizing rescue efforts during shelling;
- triage under mass casualty conditions;
- teamwork in resource-limited settings.
Key goals of the training:
- To transfer Israeli methods of emergency response;
- To train Ukrainian volunteers according to international protocols;
- To improve the effectiveness of first aid in mass trauma situations;
- To strengthen the cooperation between Ukrainian and Israeli humanitarian organizations.
Kyiv as a symbol of solidarity between nations
The training was held in the capital of Ukraine — a city that has remained under threat of attacks for more than two years. The presence of Israeli professionals there holds symbolic meaning. Having endured terror attacks, wars, and natural disasters, Israel shares its survival expertise with those facing similar realities today.
MDA: a service tested by time and conflict
Magen David Adom (MDA) is the Israeli equivalent of the Red Cross, established in 1930. Over the decades, MDA has participated in rescue missions both in Israel and abroad. The system responds rapidly to emergencies, with mobile hospitals, evacuation systems, and volunteer training schools.
Infographic: Comparing MDA and the Red Cross models
| Parameter | MDA (Israel) | Red Cross (Ukraine) |
|---|---|---|
| Year founded | 1930 | 1918 |
| Structure | State-supported + volunteer-based | Independent, volunteer-based |
| Operates in combat zones | Yes | Yes |
| International training participation | Yes (including in Europe) | Via IFRC cooperation |
| Focus on simulation training | Yes | Partially |
Israel’s role in humanitarian diplomacy
Training Ukrainian volunteers is not just about knowledge exchange. It is a form of humanitarian diplomacy, where Israel acts as an ally to Ukraine. As Russia continues its aggression, Israel’s support becomes even more meaningful — especially for Israelis of Ukrainian descent who feel the pain of both homelands.
“Israel is transferring not just knowledge, but a system of rapid response and survival. This partnership can save thousands of lives”, — said the official statement from the Embassy of Israel in Ukraine.
Israel’s stance during the war
While Israel maintains an official neutrality in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, it has been actively involved in humanitarian aid. Since 2022, Israel has:
- deployed the mobile hospital “Kohav Meir” to Ukraine;
- delivered hundreds of tons of medical supplies;
- trained over 500 Ukrainian medics and volunteers.
Why this matters for Jews in Israel
Many Ukrainian Red Cross volunteers are descendants of Jews who were once sheltered by Ukrainians. Today, the Jewish community in Israel can give back by sharing life-saving knowledge, experience, and technologies. This is more than just help — it is a renewal of the historic bond between two nations.
The NAnews — News from Israel website has regularly covered Israel’s humanitarian missions in Ukraine. Today, once again, we emphasize: support from Israeli professionals for Ukrainian volunteers is not a one-time gesture, but part of a long-term partnership.
The role of Ambassador Michael Brodsky
Israel’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Michael Brodsky, plays an active role in humanitarian and cultural diplomacy. He frequently visits medical and educational events organized by Israel and highlights the importance of cooperation between the two countries.
“This training proves that even in times of war, we can and must build bridges of trust”, — stated Brodsky.
Conclusion: Israel and Ukraine — a partnership in saving lives
The training in Kyiv is more than just skill sharing. It confirms that Israel and Ukraine can unite for the most important cause — saving human lives.
As putin continues his destructive war, Israel offers Ukraine not weapons, but knowledge and solidarity. And such actions prove that humanity is also a form of resistance.
NAnews — News from Israel will continue monitoring the Israeli-Ukrainian cooperation on the humanitarian front.
