Katie Couric at the Dec. 9 fundraiser for Magen David Adom in New York City. Photo: Howard Wechsler.

JNS.org – Television journalist Katie Couric, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Ron Prosor headlined a Dec. 9 dinner in Manhattan that raised $1 million for Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency response, ambulance, and blood services organization.

“MDA’s willingness to help save all lives is something we all should rally behind,” Couric, host of the American Friends of Magen David Adom event, said. “I’ve built a career on the pursuit of a good story. And in a part of the world that’s constantly producing ominous headlines, I’ve clearly found a positive one.”

Bloomberg proclaimed Dec. 9 to be “Magen David Adom Day” in New York City. MDA is an organization that is mandated by the Israeli government but not funded by it, instead relying on private donors.