NEW YORK, Dec. 10 (JTA) — Israel’s emergency rescue service is training Palestinian paramedics and ambulance drivers. The training program by Magen David Adom comes at a time of high tension between Israel and the Palestinians because of the stalled peace process. Despite the problems in political negotiations, Magen David Adom President Dr. Shlomi Antebbi agreed to a request from the chairman of the Palestinian Red Crescent, Dr. Fathi Arafat, to train the Palestinians. “Cooperation between the MDA and the Palestinian Red Crescent will create increased understanding between the two peoples,” said Natan Kodinsky, director of training for Magen David Adom. About 25 Palestinians are participating in the course. They will join the staff of the Palestinian Red Crescent, which operates in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The course involves training in ambulance driving and equipment and medical treatment, including first aid in various emergency situations. The three-week course, which began Nov. 30, is being held at the Holyland Hotel in Jerusalem. A senior Magen David Adom instructor is conducting the program in Arabic.
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