PHOTOS: Magen David Adom Stands Ready For Major Lag B’Omer Operation In Meron

(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

With Lag B’Omer days away, Magen David Adom officials announce they stand ready for the upcoming major operation in Meron, which includes the days before and after Lag B’Omer.

On erev Shabbos, a meeting was held including MDA commanders and Hatzoloh representatives from around Israel for a final briefing before Lag B’Omer. Hundreds of thousands of mispallalim are expected in Meron from erev Shabbos through Lag B’Omer, including many who will spend Shabbos in Meron and other northern area communities.

Magen David Adom Chief of Operation Eli Bin said, “As is the case when Lag B’Omer falls on motzei Shabbos, MDA is certain to complete all preparations ahead of Shabbos including the placement of personnel for Shabbos to avoid chilul Shabbos”.

MDA will be assigning hundreds of doctors, paramedics and EMTs to the operation; working in coordination with Hatzoloh, with the latter furnishing manpower from many of its branches, including: Yavniel, Carmel, Meron, Petach Tikvah, Elad, Hatzoloh South, Bat Yam, Shvelah, Afula, and Kfar Chabad to name some. There is also coordination with other organizations including Zaka, which focuses on reunited lost children in Meron on Lag B’Omer, and Ezer Mizion, with the latter assisting the disabled with access to the holy site.

Briefings are held ahead of Shabbos to make certain MDA personnel are well-aware of the need to avoid any chilul Shabbos in non-emergent situations.

MDA has an array of vehicles on hand for the major operation, including advanced life support, basic life support, medicycles, and other four-wheel drive and specialized vehicles. MDA has a tent in place which serves as a medical clinic, including doctors and other medical staff, thereby avoiding many transports to hospitals.

Bin explains this is one of the largest operations annually and it seems to continue growing with each passing year. He explains the EMS service works in complete cooperation with Israel Police, IDF, Fire Service, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Negev & Galil Development, Ministry of Religious Services, Administration for Holy Sites and other related organizations to make certain the Lag B’Omer operation passes without a hitch.

Chief Bin expresses special recognition of the Hatzoloh teams which work with MDA year-round and have allocated members to assist in the major Lag B’Omer operation in Meron.