Congressman Ritchie Torres alongside AFMDA staff at Riverdale ambulance dedication

 

A new ambulance will soon be on the ground in Israel, thanks to the efforts of the Riverdale Jewish Community Partnership. The fully funded vehicle, dedicated at the Riverdale Y on Sunday morning, will be used by Magen David Adom (MDA) to respond to emergencies and save lives.

Congressman Ritchie Torres, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, and Riverdale Y CEO Melissa Sigmond were among those in attendance, highlighting the strong bond between Riverdale and Israel.

“There’s a special relationship between the United States and Israel, and there are few places on earth where that relationship is more deeply felt than here in Riverdale,” Torres said. “We all feel a moral obligation to support Israel in this moment of greatest need and trauma, especially in a post-October 7th world.”

The initiative began as an effort to fund half an ambulance but quickly grew. Over $120,000 was raised—enough to sponsor a state-of-the-art ambulance that will soon be deployed in Israel.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson called the effort a reflection of the community’s strength.

“The devastation that the Jewish community continues to feel is also felt here in the Bronx and throughout New York,” she said. “This is a time for solidarity—extending ourselves to help others, supporting emergency relief efforts, and ensuring those in desperate need receive lifesaving care.”

Riverdale Y CEO Melissa Sigmond emphasized the global impact of the initiative.

“One of our goals is to bring together the Jewish community, not just to support locally, but to extend our support globally,” she said. “For us, this was the perfect initiative to reflect our values—welcoming everyone, supporting everyone, and making a real impact.”

Samuel Konig, Director of Strategic Philanthropy at American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA), expressed gratitude for the community’s generosity.

“This ambulance will be crucial in saving and preserving lives,” he said. “The presence of elected officials further emphasizes the strong bond with Israel and the significance of this contribution.”

The ambulance, now adorned with the names of its donors, is set to depart for Israel in the coming days.

About American Friends of Magen David Adom

American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA) supports Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical service. MDA operates 24/7, responding to medical emergencies, terror attacks, and natural disasters. AFMDA provides equipment, ambulances, and blood services to keep MDA at the forefront of emergency medical care. More information can be found at www.afmda.org.

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