Hours after Hamas militants launched their deadly attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, the country’s newly fortified, subterranean blood bank sprang into action.
Professor Eilat Shinar, Director of Magen David Adom’s National Blood Services Division, recalled the centre provided tens of thousands of units of blood in the days following the Hamas attacks.
“We worked tirelessly to supply everything that was needed,” she said. “With so many injured, it was crucial to provide the means for immediate treatment.”
The Marcus National Blood Services Centre (MNBSC), Israel’s state-of-the-art blood bank, has nearly doubled the storage capacity of its predecessor at Tel Hashomer. While the previous facility could hold 270,000 units annually, the new centre can accommodate up to 500,000 units per year—a vital upgrade in times of crisis.
Since the outbreak of war, thousands of people lined up for hours to donate blood. In early October 2023 alone, the centre received 5,000 units of blood in a single day—five times the usual amount. Ideal blood donors were those with Type O, as their blood can be transfused safely to any patient, ensuring a faster medical response.
Once collected, donated blood is swiftly transported to hospitals and directly supplied to the Israeli military to treat wounded soldiers on the battlefield. “During war, blood plays a critical role in resuscitation,” Prof Shinar explained. “Our aim is to maintain a steady supply so that we can provide blood immediately when needed.”A secure facility for a nation’s lifeline
Located in Ramla, central Israel, the MNBSC was opened in May 2022 and bears the name of Bernie and Billi Marcus, American philanthropists and longtime supporters of Israel. Bernie Marcus, the founder of Home Depot, recognized the vulnerabilities of Israel’s previous blood bank during a visit years ago.
“I realised how delicate and exposed the system was,” Marcus recalled. “We were honoured to be part of this project from the very beginning, ensuring that Israel’s blood supply is protected for all its citizens—Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike.”
Considered a cornerstone of Israel’s national security, the MNBSC was designed and constructed in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Defence, the Israel Defence Forces, and the National Cyber Security Authority.
The facility is unique in the world, in its design as an underground protected, missile-resistant blood bank. Its fortified plan allows operation to continue even under the threat of war, ensuring an uninterrupted blood supply. Additionally, it is reinforced against earthquakes, a crucial feature given Israel’s location on major fault lines.
A secure cold room within the facility can store tens of thousands of blood units, guaranteeing a steady supply even in times of prolonged conflict.
A lifeline for decades to come
Magen David Adom provides 97% of blood services for all of Israel and 100% of the Israel Defence Force’s blood needs and thanks to the new MNBSC, the organisation is well-prepared for the future—both in times of war and peace to provide safe, secure and a readily accessible supply of blood units and products.
At the Centre’s Opening ceremony, Catherine Reed, CEO of American Friends of Magen David Adom, emphasised the importance of blood; “Blood is the essence of life, our most precious gift. We must do everything possible to preserve it. History has taught us to always be prepared.”
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For more information on Magen David Adom and to donate, visit www.magendavidadom.org.au. Follow Australian Friends of Magen David Adom on Facebook and other social media platforms for updates.
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