American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA), the U.S. fundraising partner of Israel’s emergency services system, will host its annual Miami Gala on December 15 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The evening, is one of the city’s most emotionally powerful philanthropic events and this year will feature remarks by Eli Sharabi, who was held in Hamas captivity for 491 days.
Sharabi’s story of survival, courage, and unfathomable loss continues to move audiences around the world. His acclaimed memoir is a New York Times bestseller and was named “one of the must-read books of 2025,” by Time Magazine.
Joining Sharabi in conversation will be actor Jonah Platt, who hosts the popular “Being Jewish” podcast. Ambassador Gilad Erdan, MDA’s global president, will offer words of inspiration.
The evening will be hosted by global creator and philanthropist Valeria Lipovetsky and co-chaired by Eli and Tami Dadon, and Terri and Jeffrey Sonn. Julia and Elie Deshe will be recognized as Young Leadership Honorees and recipients of the 2025 L’Dor v Dor Lifesaver Award.
As the gala falls on Chanukah, the themes of light and hope will be evident throughout the program, culminating in a festive candle lighting ceremony featuring Sharabi.
The event will bring together leading philanthropists, business innovators, and cultural influencers for a night that blends purpose with prestige, emotion with excellence, and storytelling with unforgettable impact.
It will honor the men and women of Magen David Adom, whose courage and dedication have sustained Israel’s emergency response system for 95 years. With 34,000 volunteers—Jews, Christians, Muslims, Druze, and Bedouins—serving shoulder to shoulder, MDA is an inspiring model of unity, humanity, and lifesaving commitment.
AFMDA’s Gala creates an atmosphere that is both elegant and profoundly moving. Guests participating in the evening directly support critical lifesaving initiatives including ambulances, Medicycles, blood services, and emergency medical training.
“As Miami continues to grow as a global center of culture, business, and philanthropy, this gala reflects our community’s commitment to supporting Israel’s most essential humanitarian organization,” said Mike Driquez, AFMDA’s director of strategic fundraising and community relations for the Southeast Region.
“This evening is more than a celebration. It’s a chance to strengthen Magen David Adom’s mission to save lives 24/7,” he said.
Funds raised will directly support Magen David Adom’s lifesaving operations across Israel, including mass-casualty response, neonatal care, emergency medicine, and the maintenance of Israel’s national blood supply. To learn more and reserve a place: https://afmda.org/event/miami-gala-2025
Written in collaboration with MDA