June 11, 2007 / 25 Sivan 5767

When Yehuda and Lior, two Israeli brothers, decided to join the Magen David Adom Foreign Volunteers Program, they got much more than they bargained for.

Yehuda (top picture with Elkie), a twenty year-old Psychology student, has been involved in MDA for years. He began working during the days of the coordinator Yochi Porat z”l for whom the project is named. While teaching at the program he met Elkie, an instructor.

Elkie first arrived in Israel as a volunteer for Magen David Adom and later graduated to become an instructor. Although their first relationship was that of instructor and student, they happily look forward to soon changing their status to that of husband and wife!

Upon completing his military service, Lior, like his brother, also volunteered for Magen David Adom. At a joint Shabbat between MDA volunteers and Israeli young adults, he met Esther, who was responsible for the welfare of the volunteers. The two plan to marry next month.

Esther and Lior

Elkie, the bride-to-be, wrote the following about her volunteer experience:

"Yehuda and I became friendly from day one. We had a good relationship throughout the week long course and soon after, began to go out. Now we are engaged and getting married next month. That along with all the experiences that I've had on the ambulances has made for an amazing beginning to my life in Israel. I came knowing what I could give to MDA – I just didn't realize what I would be receiving in return!"  - Elkie Spitzer