Christian charity Samaritan’s Purse has delivered 20 lifesaving ambulances to Israel with 22 more armored vehicles on the way, providing crucial medical support as the Jewish state continues to defend itself against Hamas terrorists.
Key Takeaways
- Samaritan’s Purse has donated 20 ambulances to Israel’s emergency medical service with plans to deliver a total of 42 vehicles, including 28 armored ambulances.
- Franklin Graham led a dedication ceremony in Jerusalem for an ambulance funded by Pastor Greg Laurie’s Harvest Christian Fellowship.
- The ambulances are equipped with mobile intensive care units capable of operating under fire in combat zones.
- Terror attack survivor Karina Engel, whose husband was killed by Hamas, shared her story at the ceremony and placed a yellow ribbon on Graham’s jacket to honor those still held hostage.
- The ambulances feature Bible verses and are specifically designed to provide rapid medical response in dangerous conditions.
Christian Charity Delivers Critical Medical Support to Israel
In a powerful display of Christian solidarity with Israel, Samaritan’s Purse has delivered 20 ambulances to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical service, with plans to provide a total of 42 vehicles. The Christian relief organization, led by Franklin Graham, has stepped up to strengthen Israel’s emergency response capabilities following the horrific Hamas terrorist attacks of October 2023. The donation includes plans for 28 armored ambulances specifically designed to operate in combat zones, with 22 currently under construction and expected to arrive by year’s end.
“We want to say as Christians that we stand with Israel. You’re not alone,” said Pastor Greg Laurie, whose Harvest Christian Fellowship provided funding for one of the ambulances.
Emotional Dedication Ceremony in Jerusalem
A moving ceremony was held outside the Tower of David in Jerusalem to dedicate one of the ambulances. Franklin Graham, son of renowned evangelist Billy Graham and president of Samaritan’s Purse, led the event which was attended by former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, MDA leaders, and Israeli survivors of terror attacks. During the ceremony, which coincided with the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, Graham read from the Bible and compared Abraham to a first responder, noting: “Abraham was the MDA of his generation.”
“This is an occasion brought about because of suffering,” remarked Mike Huckabee during the ceremony, emphasizing the serious nature of the threat facing Israel.
Personal Stories of Survival and Loss
One of the most poignant moments of the ceremony came when Karina Engel shared her story of loss and survival following the October 7 Hamas attacks. Engel’s husband was killed during the terrorist assault, and she placed a yellow ribbon on Graham’s jacket to honor those still being held hostage by Hamas. In a touching gesture of support, an ambulance dedicated to the memory of Engel’s husband has been stationed near her home, providing both practical assistance and an emotional tribute to his sacrifice.
Advanced Medical Technology for Combat Conditions
The ambulances donated by Samaritan’s Purse are far more than basic transport vehicles. Each is equipped with a mobile intensive care unit capable of providing advanced medical treatment even while under fire. This technology is crucial in a region where terrorist attacks can occur at any moment, requiring medical responders to provide care in dangerous conditions. MDA Director General Eli Bin described the ambulance as a symbol of “kindness and protection,” highlighting the dual nature of these vehicles as both medical resources and symbols of solidarity.
Edward Graham, Franklin Graham’s son and a former Army Ranger, highlighted the importance of rapid medical response in combat situations, drawing from his military experience. The ambulances feature Bible verses, including Jeremiah 29:11 which promises “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” symbolizing the Christian commitment to Israel’s security and wellbeing. This partnership between Samaritan’s Purse and Israel stands as a powerful example of how faith-based organizations can provide tangible support to our allies when they face existential threats.
