NEWS AND UPDATES | DECEMBER 2025g

A Message from Our President Arlène Madar Abitan

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As Hanukkah approaches, we are reminded of the enduring light that has guided the Jewish people through even the darkest of times. This year, that message feels especially meaningful. Now more than ever, we must stand together, recognizing that the safety and security of Jews everywhere are deeply connected to the strength and resilience of the Jewish state of Israel.

Canadian Magen David Adom is honored to be part of a global network supporting Magen David Adom in Israel, ensuring it continues to operate with the utmost efficiency and dedication. On behalf of Canadian Magen David Adom, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your steadfast generosity and support. Your contributions are essential in helping us fulfill our mission—to provide life-saving medical care and humanitarian aid through Israel’s National Emergency Services.

As we celebrate Hanukkah with our loved ones, may we remember that light will always triumph over darkness.

Am Yisrael Chai!

Margles Ambulance Dedication - Montreal

On November 2nd, Roslyn Margles, devoted wife of the beloved Max Margles, dedicated a lifesaving ambulance in his honor. Surrounded by close friends and family at the Chevra Congregation, Roslyn presented a 4×4 All-Terrain Magen David Adom ambulance purchased in loving memory of Max. Her meaningful gift both strengthens Magen David Adom—Israel’s premier national emergency medical service—and helps ensure the safety and well-being of people throughout Israel.

This particular model is specially engineered to reach patients in remote or difficult-to-access areas where standard ambulances cannot operate, making it an especially impactful contribution. During the ceremony, Raphael Herbst, Senior Paramedic at Magen David Adom, addressed the gathering and described the extraordinary lifesaving work made possible through the generosity of donors like Roslyn.

The dedication was a deeply moving occasion—one that honored Max’s legacy in the most powerful way: by helping to save countless lives across Israel.

CMDA Toronto Gala - Thursday October 30th

With an incredible array of local and international sponsors and donors, this was the largest and most successful event ever held in the 95 year old history of Magen David Adom with an attendance of over 1000 people. Simultaneously, it was also CMDA’s most prosperous gala in its 49 year history.

Headlining the evening was Will and Grace Actress and pro- Israel advocate, Debra Messing and musical accompaniment by the Israeli hit duo, husband and wife, YoNina.

Messing described her strong pro-Israel advocacy in the fight against Jew-hatred as well as her unbridled dedication to Magen David Adom.

Because of donors like Toronto’s Richard Cornblum, Magen David Adom can continue its life-saving work and provide critical emergency care to those in need. Mr. Cornblum remarked: “As a long-time donor and past honouree what is there to say about these Heroes? Everyday, every hour, they risk their lives to save others. It’s not just about their service during times of war, no one thinks about when they are treating those that have a heart attack or a victim of a car accident, they are always there”!

CMDA bestowed the 2025 Kol Hakavod Award to joint Honourees, Drs. Joby Eisen and Dr. Sharla Lichtman who have been active with the organization for over 10 years and are the founders of Canadian Magen David Adom’s Core Doctor Advisory Team. Joined by MDA’s Director General Eli Bin, the night capped off with the Apodropos (Guardian) Award being bestowed on well known Canadian philanthropist, Mr. Harry Lebovic who was accompanied by his sister, Bonnie on stage.

CMDA's Annual Gala in Winnipeg

On November 4th, we gathered in Winnipeg for the CMDA Annual Gala – an unforgettable evening marked by generosity, connection, and a strong sense of community.

We were honoured to be joined by leaders whose ongoing commitment strengthens both our community and CMDA’s mission, including Markus Chambers, Deputy Mayor of Winnipeg; the Honourable Kelvin Goertzen, MLA for Steinbach and former Premier of Manitoba; Wayne Ewasko, MLA for Lac du Bonnet; and Marty Morantz, former MP for Charleswood–St. James–Assiniboia–Headingley and Rabbi Avrohom Altein, Head Rabbi of Chabad.

We were also privileged to welcome CMDA and MDA leadership, including Sidney Benzri, National Executive Director of CMDA; Uri Schacham, Chief of Staff to the Director General of MDA; Rafael Herbst, Deputy Director of Fundraising and International Relations and Chaim Dagan, Executive Board Deputy Chairman and Head of Volunteering for the Yarkon Region

CMDA Western Region stands firmly with MDA – today, tomorrow, and always. MDA’s work goes beyond survival on land, sea, and air; it is about helping people live, heal, and thrive. In Israel and around the world, MDA is a true force for change.

The evening was elevated by an insightful keynote from Uri Schacham and a breathtaking performance by our own mentalist, Nevo Abutbul, who left the room in awe.

Our heartfelt thanks to Ami Bakerman for his leadership and support; to our dedicated volunteers, with special thanks to Jared Esser for expertly hosting the evening; to Josette Fraiman for eight years of unwavering dedication; to Candice Tenenbein for her constant support; to Steven Klevsky for a moving violin performance; and to Linda Filbert of Chabad Winnipeg for her guidance and care throughout the event.

Thank you to all who show up for others, even on the hardest days. Your courage and compassion leave a lasting impact.

The things you do for yourself fade with time.
The things you do for others become your legacy.

A Very Special Heavy Bike Dedication In Memory of Rav Raphael Marcus, z"l, on his 18th yahrzeit

Born and raised in New York, Rav Marcus began his Torah journey at RJJ, later learning in Kerem B’Yavneh, the Mir in Yerushalayim, and in Chicago under his father-in-law, Rav Ahron Soloveichik, zt”l, from whom he received semicha.

In 1980 he moved to Toronto, serving for more than two decades as the Rav of Congregation B’nai Torah. His leadership was steady, sincere, and marked by genuine care for every member of the kehilla.

Rav Marcus was known for his exceptional compassion and his rare ability to connect with each person on their level. Whether one approached him with a halachic question, a personal struggle, or simply seeking warmth and guidance, he responded with patience, empathy, and depth.

A true ohev shalom v’rodef shalom, he worked quietly to bring peace and dignity wherever conflict arose — in families, schools, and throughout the community.

He held profound respect for talmidei chachamim and showed remarkable humility before gedolim, whose guidance he followed with deep reverence and yiras Shamayim.

Beyond the pulpit, Rav Marcus taught at Yeshivat Or Chaim and Ulpanat Orot, shaping generations through Torah, middos, and sincerity. Many remember him not only as a teacher, but as a gentle role model of refined, lived Torah.

Rav Marcus was niftar in 2007 and is buried on Har HaZeitim in Yerushalayim.

In tribute to his lifelong dedication to helping others, a medicycle has been donated in his memory — a gift from his congregants, friends, family, and all those whose lives he touched.

His legacy lives on in his family, his students, and the countless people uplifted by his kindness, humility, and unwavering love for Torah and Klal Yisrael.