Bridge to Israel awards show the importance of the day after tomorrow
We all need to retain the prospect of a better future. Two events held by MDA UK this week show how even through the worst of times comes strength
In launching the MDA UK Bridge to Israel Awards last November, we thought the direction of travel would be solely on how we in the UK are supporting our friends in Israel at this most difficult time.
But, this week, with The First Lady of the State of Israel, Michal Herzog, by our side, we have seen Israel return its respect, hope and friendship back to us.
On Monday, we were proud to host the Awards, celebrating the amazing humanitarian work of unsung heroes across our community and far beyond. From the youngest nominees in the campus and Jake Marlowe categories to the lifetime achievement to Kate Goldberg; amazing, dedicated individuals whose work and impact shares the humanitarian goals of Magen David Adom in everything they do.
In winners such as Borehamwood Vigil, whom Jewish News readers chose, we show the Jewish community at its best; campaigning together, supporting each other and cherishing our relationship with Israel.
Then on Tuesday, at Heaton Park Shul, at an incredibly moving event, Israel’s First Lady dedicated two MDA emergency responses vehicles in memory of those killed in the horrific terror attack there.
These vehicles will save lives transporting first responders to emergencies across Israel; in memory of Melvin Kravitz and Adrian Daulby, who lost their lives at Heaton Park.
These events are two sides of the same coin. Communities in the UK and Israel united in our mutual support, love and respect. There for each other through the toughest of times.
I know that everyone in Israel was so very touched when they saw the response of the diaspora to 7 October and how we came together as a global community. In the same way, their response to events like Heaton Park demonstrate how far their love extends for us.
At MDA UK, we talk about machratayim, the Hebrew for the day after tomorrow. We know that today is tough. That tomorrow may not be much better. But, by the day after tomorrow, hope and healing can properly begin.
We all need to retain the prospect of a better future. And these two events prove that even through the worst of times comes strength. And our anger and grieving can be turned into hope and healing.
Daniel Burger is chief executive of MDA UK
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