Jewish and Muslim Paramedics Share Stories of Unity at JCRC-NY's Israel in NY Event with AFMDA

NEW YORK, NY (02/12/2026) (readMedia)-- During a time of increased division around the world, three Israeli paramedics of different faiths came together at NYU's Bronfman Center for Jewish Life to discuss what unites them. The event, "United in Purpose: How the Diverse Medics of Magen David Adom Save Lives in Israel," was hosted by the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) and American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA), in partnership with UJA-Federation of New York, American Jewish Committee (AJC), the Bronfman Center at NYU, and New York Board of Rabbis.

Part of JCRC-NY's Israel in NY series, the panel featured Muslim paramedics Naram Zaid and Fadi Dekaidek, along with Aryeh Meyers, a senior paramedic and Magen David Adom (MDA) international relations liaison, and was moderated by Sara Fredman Aeder, JCRC's vice president of Israel and Jewish affairs. Together, they offered a firsthand look at how emergency responders of different religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds save lives side by side.

All three panelists reflected on personal and communal responses to the tragic events of October 7. Zaid, who spent the day risking her life while treating patients under fire in Israeli communities near Gaza, recalled the many losses she suffered within the Arab community and in her larger circle at MDA, while Dekaidek spoke of the way the Jerusalem Arab community showed up in force to help local haredi Jews donate much-needed blood while still observing Jewish law. The program reflected the shared missions of JCRC-NY and AFMDA, raising awareness of the diversity of Israeli society while advancing the universal value of preserving life.

JCRC's Aeder said the discussion underscored why it was important to bring these voices to New York. "The program, in partnership with AFMDA, gave our community the rare opportunity to hear directly from the people doing this lifesaving work every day," said Sara Aeder, vice president of Israel and Jewish affairs at JCRC-NY. "Their experiences remind us that cooperation across differences is not just possible, it is essential, and it is happening every day on the ground in Israel."

"We were excited that we were asked to partner with JCRC-NY and were able to co-sponsor with UJA Federation, the NY Board of Rabbis and AJC to bring this important panel discussion to New Yorkers," Daniel Kochavi, chief of staff of AFMDA said. "JCRC's focus on increasing knowledge and support for Israel among diverse communities aligns perfectly with Magen David Adom's commitment to saving lives without regard to religion, ethnicity, or other cultural divides."

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About JCRC-NY

The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NYC), a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York, is the central coordinating body for the Jewish community's public affairs efforts in New York, representing dozens of member organizations and hundreds of synagogues and communal groups. Through government affairs, intergroup relations, education, and advocacy, JCRC-NYC builds bridges across communities to promote a safe, inclusive, and democratic society, support the security and vitality of Jewish communities, and deepen understanding of Israel through constructive dialogue.

About Magen David Adom

MDA is Israel's emergency services system. A leader in mass-casualty response and in EMS technology, Magen David Adom treats and transports more than 1 million people to hospitals every year; collects, safety tests, and distributes nearly all the blood to Israel's hospitals; and, through its affiliation with the Red Cross movement, responds to disasters around the world. For more information, visit afmda.org