AUGUST 22 • 2024 | 27
J
N
O
n July 29, before the opening
ceremony of the 2024 Detroit
Maccabi Games at Little
Caesars Arena, a dedication ceremony
took place for a Magen David Adom
(MDA) Mobile Intensive Care Unit
(MICU), sponsored by Marshall and
Rhoda Tobin. Rabbi Aaron Starr
of Congregation Shaarey Zedek in
Southfield offered a blessing for the
vehicle.
This was one of two MICUs made
possible by the Tobins, who were
the presenting sponsors of this year’s
Maccabi Games.
The Tobins have long supported
Jewish causes. Marshall Tobin recalls
learning about tzedakah from his
mother who always contributed to the
Jewish National Fund “pushka” charity
containers.
Noting that many of their good
friends from Michigan had donated
ambulances to save lives in Israel, the
family decided last summer it was
time for them to donate an MICU, an
act they describe as “a privilege.
”
That was before Oct. 7, when
everything changed.
Now, with the growing needs
on the ground in the wake of
increased attacks at Israel’s northern
and southern borders, the Tobins
sponsored a second MICU, which
was dedicated before being shipped to
Israel to help treat all those who need
medical assistance.
As Israel’s emergency services
system, MDA treats and transports
nearly 1 million people to hospitals
every year; collects, safety tests
and distributes nearly all the blood
to Israel’s hospitals; and, through
its affiliation with the Red Cross
movement, responds to disasters
around the world.
The first donated MICU already
had great meaning for the Tobins, but
the second one, post-Oct. 7, means
that much more.
“We want to help our fellow Jews,
”
Marshall states. “The Bible says if you
can save one person, you save the
world. We want to be people who can
save one person and, with the two
ambulances, we’ll save more than one.
”
Rhoda adds, “
After Oct. 7, we
decided they needed another one. I’m
happy we can afford to do this; I feel
they need it. And we can do it, so we’re
doing it.
”
Seeing how many Jewish
communities across the United States
have donated these ambulances
since that fateful October day,
including many from the Detroit
Jewish community, is reflective of the
generosity of the Jewish people.
“The Detroit Jewish community
has always been there for everything,
”
Rhoda says. “We’re very lucky to be in
this community.
”
A friend of the Tobins who donated
an ambulance receives letters about
what it’s being used for, such as if the
ambulance helped deliver a baby.
“We’re hoping our ambulances will
be delivering more babies than having
to pick up people who are injured,
”
Rhoda says. “Everybody who can do
something, whatever they can do,
should do it. Israel needs our help.
”
Marshall adds, “
And we need Israel.
Antisemitism would be even more
rampant if we didn’t have Israel. We’re
very fortunate we can do this, and
other people who can afford it should
do it. And I hope they will.
”
Visit afmda.org to learn more about
ways to help.
The Tobins, presenting sponsors of the 2024 Maccabi Games, dedicate
their second MICU ambulance in a year to Magen David Adom.
A Mobile Intensive Care Unit for Israel
DANNY SCHWARTZ SENIOR STAFF REPORTER
Marshall and Rhoda
Tobin with the MICU
they donated post
Oct. 7.
JUSTIN D. CASAGRANDE
Immigration Attorney & Partner
For all your business and
family immigration needs
A Martindale-Hubbell
AV- Rated Law Firm
(248) 406-4100
Visit us at www.antone.com
or email us at law@antone.com
31555 West 14 Mile Road, Suite 100 Farmington Hills, MI
48334
JUSTIN D. CASAGRANDE
Immigration Attorney & Partner
N. Peter Antone
Immigration Attorney & Partner
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