July 23, 2008 / 20 Tammuz 5768

Written by MDA

In the spring of 1991 the MDA overseas volunteer program was launched on the initiative of the Canadian Friends of Magen David Adom, and their local Jewish Agency representatives. During the first few years there were only several small groups who participated in the program.

In 1995 the program, managed by Yochai Porat Z"l,  expanded its capacity with an increase in numbers allowing participants from all over the world to volunteer.

Yochai faced a tough mission in getting young youth from all over the world to come volunteer in Israel for the national ambulance service, and to adapt within the Israeli communities encouraging aliya (moving to Israel) amongst the youth.

The youth come from all over the world to Israel and take a 2 week course where they learn the skills and trades to become a first responder.  After the course the volunteers are spread out to the MDA stations throughout Israel. The volunteer period can be from 5 weeks to more then a year. Some MDA Alumni youth return to Israel after a period of time in order to continue volunteering or even to become an MDA Instructor.

The program took its shape in 2001 and was recognized as the MDA Overseas program.

On March 03, 2002 the program and MDA received tragic and devastating news.

Yochai Porat A"H was on reserve duty for the the IDF on March 03, 2002 as the units medic. While trying to rescue a comrade who had been shot, Yochai was murdered by a Palestinian sniper.

Yochai, who was the first overseas program coordinator for MDA, worked tirelessly to create a personal relationship with each participant.

The MDA Overseas Volunteer Program was officially named in Yochai's memory at a ceremony held in Jerusalem in the presence of family, friends and staff members in 2002.

Yochai is survived by his parents, brothers and sister and by countless individuals whose lives have been touched by his efforts.

Since 2000 the program has grown to hundreds of participants. From the year 2000 where only 47 students participated in the program, we have managed to reach in 2008 over 600 students. Yochai Z"l would be very proud to see where the program is today and how many lives have been saved or touched in his memory.

Yakov Porat with son

Photos Credit: Sarah Levin