Key Facts
Key Information
About
American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA) is the sole authorized fundraising and advocacy organization in the United States supporting Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's national emergency medical, ambulance, blood services, and disaster-relief organization. Founded in 1940 as the American Red Mogen Dovid for Palestine, AFMDA is the largest supporter of MDA worldwide. The organization raises funds from American donors to support MDA's fleet of over 2,000 emergency vehicles, its 35,000 paramedics, EMTs, and volunteers, and its national blood services infrastructure including the Marcus National Blood Services Center, the world's first subterranean shielded blood bank, which opened in May 2022 in Ramla, Israel. AFMDA serves on the National Board of Directors and operates with a national board of directors, regional offices, and professional fundraising staff across the country.
AFMDA is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization headquartered in New York City. It has earned a 4-star (99%) rating from Charity Navigator. Revenue comes almost entirely from charitable contributions, with contributions comprising over 91% of total revenue. The organization saw a dramatic surge in contributions in fiscal year 2023, receiving approximately $288.5 million in total revenue (up from $49 million in 2022), largely driven by increased donor response following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. In fiscal year 2024, total revenue was approximately $142.3 million. AFMDA conducts donor missions to Israel, hosts fundraising events across the United States, and engages both the American Jewish community and the broader public in support of MDA's lifesaving mission.
AFMDA also serves as MDA's representative in the United States, advocating on its behalf and raising awareness of MDA's role as Israel's equivalent to the Red Cross. MDA is a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. AFMDA organizes events, solidarity missions to Israel, and educational programs about emergency medical services in Israel.