US Officials Angered After Discovering American MDA Donations Were Used to Buy European Ambulances

American officials have expressed frustration after discovering that donations raised in the United States to Magen David Adom were used to purchase European-made ambulances rather than American vehicles.

The funds were collected through American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA), which has spent 86 years raising money in the United States to support the Israeli emergency medical organization. Historically, American-made Ford and Chevrolet ambulances purchased with donor assistance were common on Israeli roads. In recent years, however, Magen David Adom has purchased almost no American-made vehicles, instead acquiring Mercedes ambulances manufactured in Poland.

American administration officials became aware of the situation in recent weeks and expressed displeasure that money donated domestically was being spent on vehicles manufactured outside the United States. A senior US administration official conveyed a strongly worded message to Magen David Adom officials, stating, "Using American donation funds to purchase ambulances from European countries that hate Israel is not an acceptable practice."

A senior Israeli official said American officials were surprised that substantial sums raised from domestic donors were not supporting the American economy through purchases of US-made vehicles and products. The matter has taken on heightened importance given the Trump administration's "America First" Policy, which emphasizes strengthening American industry and the domestic economy across trade, investment, energy, immigration and foreign affairs.

The dispute raises questions about whether Magen David Adom will adjust its procurement practices to increase purchases of American-made ambulances or continue using some US-raised donations for European vehicle purchases.

Magen David Adom responded that it was unaware of any communication from American officials, stating: "MDA is not aware of any such inquiry. The friends associations purchase the ambulances in accordance with the organization's operational needs and the types of vehicles required. Most of the ambulances are purchased in the US. MDA is the only organization in Israel that uses US-made ambulances."