Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical, disaster, ambulance, and blood bank service, has asked the Israeli public to donate blood due to a projected upcoming shortage of all blood types following the Shavuot [Pentecost] holiday this week.

According to MDA, during holidays such as Passover and Shavuot, there is a marked decline in blood donations, sometimes leading to the postponement of surgeries.

MDA director Eli Bin said, “During this period we see a lowered number of blood donations to MDA blood services. So that we can continue to save lives and give everyone the proper treatment and assistance they need. I call on the public to come to MDA donation stations and donate blood.”

The agency especially urged donors to give blood in the days immediately after Shavuot. MDA has set up  special blood drives throughout the country encouraging citizens to donate. The shortage is for all types of blood, especially those with a negative Rhesus factor.

Jonathan Feldstein, Director of Heart to Heart, an organization committed to sustaining Israel’s blood supply, told Breaking Israel News: “Whether there’s a shortage or not, more resources are always needed.  Whether visitors come to donate blood in person, or not, the growing support for Heart to Heart is a blessing for all Israelis to provide resources to sustain Israel’s blood supply. There’s no more practical or meaningful way that one person overseas can bless Israel and save lives in Israel than by supporting Israel’s blood bank which benefits all. Israelis. We invite and encourage everyone with a heart for Israel to join us.”

For those who are unable to donate in Israel, Heart to Heart offers a unique virtual blood donation that supports Israel’s National Blood Bank. To learn how you can give a virtual blood donation, click here.