Two ambulances arrived in the parking lot of the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC on Sunday, Nov. 23. Fortunately, there was no one in need of medical attention. Instead, a group of enthusiastic people awaited, ready to send the vehicles to Israel.
Houston philanthropist Maurice Purcell commissioned and purchased the ambulances for Magen David Adom in 2024.
More than a year later, Purcell – surrounded by family, friends and his rabbi – saw his gift of kindness come to fruition.
“I just thought this was very important for our community and for Israel,” Purcell told the JHV.
The ambulances will be shipped by boat to Israel in the coming weeks, according to Liza Levine, senior development executive for American Friends of Magen David Adom in Texas.
“We are so grateful to the Maurice Purcell Foundation for making this truly lifesaving gift,” Levine told the JHV.
“After two years of unrelenting violence aimed at Israel, the gift of two rescue vehicles is invaluable to the people of Israel. These ambulances will save thousands of lives and, with the help of Magen David Adom’s AI-enabled dispatch system, will allow MDA medics all over the country to provide lifesaving care within minutes.”
Chabad of Uptown Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff said he encouraged Purcell to donate to worthy causes. Purcell asked his rabbi to say a blessing as part of the dedication and sendoff.
“It is not by chance, but by Divine providence, that these ambulances were launched from Houston during the week when we read of Yaakov awakening from his sleep in Jerusalem while protecting himself from the adversarial animals around him, and declaring, this is the gateway to heaven,” Rabbi Chaim said to the group.
“In 1973, the Rebbe told then-president Zalman Shazar [Israel’s third president, 1963-’73] that Houston is the gateway to heaven. Just as rockets lift off from here to the moon. Houston and Jerusalem feel like sister cities at this gateway to heaven. To see two fully outfitted MDA ambulances pass through our city on their way to Israel is deeply meaningful.”
Once the ambulances arrive in Israel, they will be equipped with additional medical supplies, then deployed wherever Magen David Adom needs them most.
Levine said she expects they will go into service in the first quarter of 2026.
“After Oct. 7 [2023], MDA further developed its levels of preparedness, including increasing its fleet and training hundreds of new EMTs and paramedics,” she said.
“New equipment and training, provided so generously by our donors, is critical for the safety of Israel’s diverse people and for its future.
“As Israel’s national emergency service, Magen David Adom is mandated by the Israeli government, but it’s not a government agency, so it relies on donations from around the world.
“Given Israel’s ongoing security threats, contributions ensure that MDA remains fully equipped and prepared to respond to any crises or challenges that may arise.”
Rabbi Lazaroff was very proud of Purcell’s dedication.
“Maurice has worked tirelessly to strengthen lifesaving efforts in Israel, and this dedication reflects his heart and his unwavering commitment to our people,” Rabbi Chaim said.
“Our prayer is that these ambulances will primarily be used to transport birthing mothers and bring new life safely into the world and to deliver healing with compassion. May they be a source of protection and blessing for the Jewish people everywhere.”