MAGEN DAVID ADOM mourns alongside the family of Master Sergeant (Res.) and volunteer Lior Rudaif whose body has finally been returned to Israel. The 61-year-old EMT, deputy security officer of Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, and standby squad member, was killed on October 7 and his body was held in Gaza for more than two years.

For almost four decades, Rudaif served as a volunteer EMT and ambulance driver with MDA. When terrorists attacked on the morning of October 7, he responded as both a security team member and volunteer, leaving his home to engage the attackers and care for those who were injured. He died fighting, and members of Palestinian Islamic Jihad captured his body.

The MAGEN DAVID ADOM community stands with Rudaif’s family, who remain forever connected to the organization. In July, on what would have been Rudaif’s birthday, his relatives organized a blood drive through our Blood Services, inviting the public to continue donating blood and helping others just as Rudaif did throughout his life.

“Lior embodied generosity, dedication, and profound care for his community,” eulogized MAGEN DAVID ADOM director-general Eli Bin. “For a quarter century, he earned recognition as Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak’s devoted ambulance driver, having saved numerous lives. On the morning of October 7, he confronted terrorists and protected his neighbors at the cost of his own life. He was always there for others, offering assistance to everyone who needed it, while always maintaining his characteristic smile and love of life. MDA stands with the Rudaif family as we receive his remains back in Israel.”