Brits allowed to donate blood in Israel after two-decade ban: ‘Giving is an honour’
Brits who lived in the UK during 1980-1996 were banned from donating blood in Israel in 1999 due to the 'Mad Cow Disease' outbreak of the mid-90s.
Magen David Adom UK launched its “Blood Drive for British olim in Israel” campaign last week, bringing numerous expats together at two separate locations to donate blood.
Brits who lived in the UK during 1980-1996 were banned from donating blood in Israel up until recently, due to the ‘Mad Cow Disease’ outbreak of the mid-90s.
The lifting of the 1999 ban by the Israeli Health Ministry was marked with a mass blood drive at the Ayalon Mall in the Tel Aviv suburb of Ramat Gan and with a reception at the Peres Center for Peace & Innovation in Jaffa.
Simon O’Donnell, Head of Political at the British Embassy, spoke at the event a the Peres Center, saying: “The embassy is very happy to be here today and celebrate this important decision. I know it has been long awaited and I have no doubt the British community in Israel would be taking full advantage of this meaningful opportunity. I am more than honoured to be one of the first brits to donate blood and help save lives.”
Credit: Tom Bartov / Courtesy
Daniel Burger, CEO of MDA UK, said that for all those that can, “giving blood is not only a duty but also an honour.”
“When you give blood, you give hope and help to whoever is in need without prejudice or question. The change in legislation marks a milestone both for the British-Israeli community and for the wider population in removing a longstanding barrier and allowing us to save more lives,” Burger added.
Eilat Shinar, Director of Israel’s National Blood Services, recalled how brits over the years had asked her when they would be able to donate blood again.
“Now we can get everybody donating blood and joining our MDA volunteer donor base. With each unit of blood-saving three lives, who are we to stop people volunteering to save a life,” Shinar said.
Director General of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, Efrat Duvdevani, hailed the MDA, saying: “We are proud to take part in the event of an important organisation like MDA. The Peres Center for Peace and Innovation maintains extensive ties with the British Embassy in Israel and we are happy to be the home where it is possible for British citizens living in Israel to donate blood after years when this was not possible.”
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