Congregation Beth Israel Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony For Ambulance Donated to Israel

On Sunday, June 14, Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) in Scotch Plains held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil a new ambulance that will be donated to the people of Israel. The ambulance, which was financed from money that synagogue members had raised in a targeted fundraising campaign, will join the fleet of Magen David Adom, Israel’s Emergency Services System.

Magen David Adom provides lifesaving care for people of all backgrounds in Israel, responding to medical emergencies ranging from car accidents to rocket attacks. As Israel’s official representative to the International Red Cross, Magen David Adom also responds to disasters around the globe. Magen David Adom relies strictly on support from donors worldwide. Contributions from the United States are made through the non-profit organization, American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA).

In the winter of 2025, CBI held a volunteer-driven fundraising campaign to donate an ambulance to the people of Israel as a Hanukkah gift. In only six weeks, the campaign raised $118,000 for AFMDA. With these funds, AFMDA was able to construct a new Basic Life Support ambulance, as well as purchase a training mannequin for Israeli EMTs and paramedics.

“I was greatly impressed by the generosity of our CBI community and how many congregants participated in the campaign,” said Jay More, MD, who initiated and co-chaired the fundraising effort along with Mitch Siegel and Michael Belfer. “I am so inspired by the many ways we continue to show our support for and build our connections to Israel.”

More than 100 congregants attended the ambulance dedication ceremony. Speakers included clergy and lay leaders from CBI, as well as local and national dignitaries. CBI’s Rabbi Howard Tilman made introductory remarks and CBI’s Cantor Jacob Greenberg sang Hebrew songs. Co-Chair Jay More, MD, and CBI President Melissa Liebermann explained how the ambulance fundraising campaign began and why it was important, and they both thanked their fellow congregants for their participation and generosity.

Guest speakers included: Josh Losardo, Mayor of Scotch Plains; Daniella Gefen, Community Shlicha (Israeli emissary) from Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ; Erin D’Auria, District Director for Congressman Tom Kean; Ariella Rada, Spokesperson and Consul for Media Affairs at the Consulate General of Israel in New York; and Michelle Herzenberg, Associate Director of Major Gifts for AFMDA.

Congressman Kean’s office presented CBI with a certificate of special recognition and AFMDA awarded a commemorative plaque to CBI.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in CBI’s side lot, where the new AFMDA ambulance was parked alongside an emergency vehicle from the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad.

“It was a privilege to be there and welcome the rig into the fraternity of rescue vehicles, especially knowing where it was going,” said Dan Sullivan, Chief of the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad.

The front doors of the new AFMDA ambulance were inscribed with the synagogue logo and the words, “Presented to the People of Israel by Congregation Beth Israel, Scotch Plains, New Jersey.” The ambulance was assembled in Indiana and transported to Scotch Plains. It was then delivered to the Port of Baltimore for shipment to Israel.

Congregation Beth Israel is an egalitarian Conservative synagogue, serving Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Westfield and surrounding towns. For information or questions about CBI, contact the synagogue office at (908) 889-1830 or at office@cbisp.org. To donate to AFMDA, go to afmda.org.