On the first trip of the new ambulance dedicated to the memory of his son Dor, of blessed memory, who was murdered on October 7 in Be’eri, Magen David Adom (MDA) senior EMT Tzvi Rieder delivered a baby for a woman who had gone into labor. Eight days later, on the eve of Simchat Torah, Tzvi attended the baby’s brit milah (circumcision ceremony). On the morning of October 7, Tzvi went out to save lives, providing medical treatment under fire and evacuating dozens of wounded people. During the day, he learned that his son Dor and Dor’s partner, Techelet Fishbein, of blessed memory, had been murdered in Be’eri. Recently, two ambulances were dedicated at Kibbutz Sa’ad in Dor’s memory, one of them armored against gunfire. At the dedication ceremony, Tzvi said: “We pray that we will merit to transport mainly happy and excited expectant mothers in these ambulances.” A short time later, his prayer was answered. On the very first trip of the new ambulance, Tzvi was dispatched to a woman in labor near Kibbutz Be’eri. Together with his neighbor Hila Barbich, a professional midwife, he prepared to deliver the baby inside the ambulance after they realized they would not make it to the hospital in time. Thankfully, a healthy baby boy was born, and the mother and her son were transported to the hospital. Eight days later, Tzvi attended the baby’s brit milah, where the child was given the name Mevaser Tov, meaning “Bearer of Good News.” “Our baby brought good news to Tzvika. He brought good news on a road that saw so much bloodshed on October 7, and he brought good news to us,” said Penina, the baby’s mother. An emotional Tzvi reflected: “The ambulance dedicated to Dor’s memory helped bring life into the world, and on its very first call.” At MDA, the mission of saving lives continues at all times and in all places, while honoring the memory of those who have fallen through the ongoing work of preserving life.

I didn’t have “Mazel tov” on the bingo card.