Warren and Fran Gould, organizers of the blood drive. Credit: Blood Bank of Delmarva.
Largest Jewish Blood Drive in the US With Magen David Adom Strengthens Israel in Times of Crisis
For generations, Jewish tradition has taught that saving one life saves an entire world. That principle took on global meaning as more than 100 donors gathered at Congregation Chizuk Amuno for the Howard W. Brill Memorial Blood Drive, the largest Jewish institution-sponsored blood drive in the United States and a powerful demonstration of solidarity with Israel in times of crisis.
Held six times a year, Chizuk Amuno’s blood drives save upwards of 1,800 lives annually. This most recent drive marked a historic milestone with the synagogue partnering for the first time with Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical service, through American Friends of Magen David Adom, alongside Blood Centers of America and its regional affiliate, Blood Bank of Delmarva.
While all blood collected will immediately save lives locally, the partnership creates a vital lifeline for Israel. In the event of war or another national emergency, Blood Centers of America will send blood directly to Israel, ensuring that American Jewish generosity can help sustain Israel’s emergency medical system when it is needed most.
The drive’s success is powered by congregants Warren and Fran Gould, whose leadership has transformed the initiative into a national model of sustained community impact. At the most recent drive, approximately 68 donors gave whole blood, while at least 22 participated as power red donors, providing larger quantities of red blood cells used to treat trauma victims, newborns, and patients with sickle cell disease.
“This new partnership with AFMDA infuses (pun intended) additional joy into our community because we’re also providing an insurance policy for Israel’s blood reserves should Israel ever be in dire need,” said Warren Gould. Fran Gould added, “It’s not every day that I get to save three lives, let alone help others do the same. Everyone can be a superhero.”
Rabbi Joshua Gruenberg, the spiritual leader of Congregation Chizuk Amuno, underscored the deeper meaning of the collaboration. “This partnership between us at Chizuk Amuno and AFMDA embodies the Jewish imperative of pikuach nefesh—the sacred obligation to save life—by responding to the urgent blood shortage here in America while affirming our community’s enduring bond and responsibility to the State of Israel,” he said.
Rabbi Moshe Schwartz, head of school at Krieger Schechter Day School, reflected as he donated blood alongside congregants and community members. “I could not be prouder of our school and shul community’s partnership with AFMDA,” said Rabbi Schwartz. “Krieger Schechter teaches the value of cultivating strong ties to Jewish peoplehood around the world, and strengthening community here starts by giving of ourselves in this fundamental way. It means a great deal for me to have this sacred opportunity to give blood today.”
Ira Gewanter, AFMDA’s director of major gifts, helped bring the Magen David Adom partnership to Chizuk Amuno, working closely with Alison Gardy, AFMDA’s Director of External and Partner Relations. Gewanter emphasized that the initiative reflects Magen David Adom’s universal mission.
“This blood drive speaks to our core values because all the blood donated will save lives for anyone in need here in Maryland—mirroring Magen David Adom’s parallel mission saving civilian lives without any prejudice based on race, religion, gender, or political affiliation,” he said.
In moments when Israel faces uncertainty, partnerships like this transform local action into global impact. By strengthening Israel’s emergency blood reserves while saving lives at home, the largest Jewish blood drive in the country demonstrates how American Jewish communities can stand with Israel in the most meaningful way possible—by helping ensure that help is there when lives are on the line.
BBD LarryZiffer WBdonor Chizuk Amuno Congregation_Horizontal. Credit: Blood Bank of Delmarva
Rabbi Moshe Schwartz, head of school at Krieger Schechter Day School. Credit: Blood Bank of Delmarva.
Warren and Fran Gould, organizers of the blood drive. Credit: Blood Bank of Delmarva.
