Heart to Heart: A Road Trip Unlike Any Other

Though all levels of support are increasing through Heart to Heart—blessing and saving lives in Israel—it’s not every day that a ministry donates an ambulance to Israel. This is a milestone to be celebrated on a number of levels, and we are always grateful to those who do so.

While the number of ministries partnering with us is growing, it’s certainly not every day (yet) that one ministry donates two ambulances in the same year. That’s happened two times in the past. But until 2014, it had never happened that two different ministries donated two ambulances each, in the same year.

Thanks to Bridges for Peace and John Hagee Ministries, each of which donated two new ambulances in 2014, by the end of 2015, four new ambulances will be crisscrossing the roads of Israel, saving thousands of lives each.

Because of how unique this is, and based on the Jewish principle “hakarat hatov,” the obligation to acknowledge kindness received from another, special plans are under way to make 2015 a year of thanks, and a year in which we pray other ministries will join this trend. And because the occurrence of two ministries donating two ambulances each in one year is unprecedented, we are doing something unprecedented to celebrate.

You are cordially invited to join us.

Due to the war that engulfed Israel in the summer of 2014, one of the two Bridges for Peace ambulances was expedited into production, and was delivered to Israel and dedicated in Jerusalem two months ago. The second Bridges for Peace ambulance is scheduled to be inaugurated at two special dedication ceremonies, one in Florida, Jan. 29, and another Feb. 5, in Washington, D.C.

In between, we will be bringing the newest ambulance en route to join a fleet of more than 1000 Israeli ambulances to host events along the way. If you’re in Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia or Maryland, don’t be surprised if you see a white ambulance with Hebrew and English text and emblazoned with the red Star of David driving on a road near you. Already, pastors, community and civic leaders and others are anticipating the upcoming events.

Pending confirmation of details of when the John Hagee Ministries ambulances are completed and set for dedication, eventually residents of Texas and any number of states on the way to the port from which they will be shipped to Israel will also have the opportunity to share a similar experience.

Please get in touch at [email protected] to find out about times and locations of planned events along the way or how your ministry can join us.

In Israel, 2014 was marked by war and increased terrorism. Dozens were killed, many more injured, and thousands still suffer grief and post-traumatic stress. I can speak from firsthand experience, watching my children deal with the events that made headlines, but which for us were on the front line and very personal. For months on end, Israel’s national ambulance service was operating on highest alert. Though there were many casualties, there were many blessings as well, with lives saved thanks to the immediate and professional response of Israel’s EMTs and paramedics.

As dramatic and scary as these events were, for many hundreds of thousands of others, the sight and sound of the familiar ambulance bearing a red Star of David was a lifesaving comfort for things as mundane as broken bones, car accidents, heart attacks, allergic reactions, breathing troubles and babies being born.

As 2015 begins, it’s the weather that’s making headlines and playing a factor that makes life-saving services that much more important, and that much more challenging. This year began with lots of rains which, in Israel, is a literal blessing. We pray for rain in its season, and receiving this liquid blessing is something that’s celebrated. Day by day we have seen the level of the Sea of Galilee rising, centimeter by centimeter. As Israel’s largest fresh water source, the level of the Sea of Galilee is of national concern. But as the water rose, so did the number of car accidents and injuries relating to flooding in outlying areas. Mother Nature played its role, but Israel’s first responders are ready, no matter how wet it gets.

As of this writing, all the talk is about an impending snowstorm that may be even greater than last year’s “once-in-a-generation” storm. The good news with snow is that, unlike the rain, many Israelis will stay indoors. There may be fewer accidents, but there will be any number of other snow-related medical emergencies. And unlike in the rain, even the “mundane” things like heart attacks and babies being born will become uniquely challenging, requiring medical treatment to travel roads under a blanket of snow and ice. A fleet of four-wheel drive ambulances is being made ready, so that even if the phone lines are down, someone is there to answer the call.

There were many things to be thankful for in 2014. We pray that in 2015, weather will be our biggest enemy. Our Heart to Heart Israel Ambulance Road Trip will kick off a year that will be wonderful, with the love and fellowship of Christian friends continuing to join us.

Whether you’ll be at one of our events between Florida and D.C. this month, or another road trip in the future, please pray for good weather along the way, a safe trip for those doing the driving, and abundant blessings along the way as thousands join us to celebrate the successes of last year, looking forward to even more ahead in the new year.

Jonathan Feldstein was born and educated in the U.S. and immigrated to Israel in 2004. He is married and the father of six. Throughout his life and career, he has been blessed by the calling to fellowship with Christian supporters of Israel and shares experiences of living as an Orthodox Jew in Israel. He writes a regular column for Charisma magazine’s Standing With Israel. You can contact Jonathan at [email protected].