MDA has another busy Yom Kippur

Aside from being the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur over the years has also come to signal the busiest day of the year for Magen David Adom ambulance crews. This Yom Kippur was no different, according to MDA, as crews throughout the country spent the holiday racing pregnant mothers in labor to hospital, treating children with scrapes and bruises, and resuscitating passed out fasters. Altogether, 1,999 people were treated by MDA crews. Eighty-three people were treated for ill effects from fasting, while 16 of them had to be resuscitated. Ninety-nine women in labor were also rushed to hospital. Some 187 children were given first aid for injuries due to skateboarding, roller blading, bike riding, and other escapades involving wheels. In a number of Israeli towns and cities, MDA crews reported being harassed by rowdy children and youth.

SPECIAL YOM KIPPUR SUPPLEMENT 2005 Judaism: The mystical challenge of Kol Nidre I Stand before God together I A unifying fast I The 36 Just Men who save the world Jewish Features: Yom Kippur in Vilna I Breaking the fast the Tuscan way I Bnei Menashe join the tribe Opinion: Thoughts on being religious I Forgiving without forgetting