Jerusalem – Female Volunteers Cry Foul About Magen David Adom Policy

Jerusalem – Magen David Adom in Ramat Gan has found itself on the defensive after refusing to allow medically trained, female high school volunteers to ride along and assist on ambulance runs because of their gender, Ha’aretz reports.

Instead, the 10th grade students, who are trying to complete their mandated quota of hours for a matriculation certificate, are being told to either go home or perform clerical work inside the office.

When confronted, MDA defended its actions, saying it was respecting the wishes of its volunteer ambulance drivers who are religious men that do not want to want to ride with girls in the vehicle. “Thousands of women and men work alongside one another, and we take into account as much as possible the world view of all the employees and volunteers, including those who are Haredi.

Therefore, there are special teams in the organization that deal with special activities, at the same time there are other ambulances in the various stations which the young people are assigned to.

But, Magen David Adom always acts as a matter of course according to the operational needs and when necessary everyone is assigned to all the ambulances, including youth volunteers.”