Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg dedicated a new Torah scroll at a Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency medical services station in Jerusalem.
At a special ceremony at the newly built synagogue inside the Jerusalem MDA station, Bloomberg on May 23 dedicated the Torah to his parents, William and Charlotte.
“He grew up in a world where he never dreamed he would go to Israel,” Bloomberg said of his father. “For most of his life, Israel didn’t exist. But I’m sure he’s looking down now with a big smile on his face, mainly because this is an organization that saves lives and that’s what it’s all about.”
During his visit in Israel, Bloomberg was also awarded the first-ever Genesis Prize. Dubbed the “Jewish Nobel Prize,” the award is given to individuals who serve as a role model for the next generation of Jews across the world.
The Jerusalem MDA station is Israel’s largest and most active, addressing more than 39,000 emergency calls each year.