Donor Story: Carolida Steiner

Carolida Steiner took her first trip to Israel in 1967 after the Six Day War as a teenager. She remembers it as a time of much joy: The country had survived another attack and Jews were again able to pray at the Wailing Wall. It was also a time of much grief for the loss of loved ones.

Carolida lost a cousin, who was killed in the battle for Jerusalem. Prior to the war, he had been a member of the kibbutz where she was a volunteer. On that and later trips, she saw MDA ambulances donated by Americans that were inscribed "with love and gratitude to the people of Israel." Though young and jobless, Carolida knew she wanted to do the same.

Back home in the U.S., Carolida became a clinical psychologist and had a satisfying career helping others. When she retired, she put AFMDA in her will. “The advantage of making a bequest in my will? It does not increase the anxiety of outliving my assets,” Carolida explained. “I also ensure my legacy will protect the people of Israel. I am so thankful I can contribute to the lifesaving work of MDA.”

While Carolida is proud that she is donating an ambulance through her will, she also makes sure to support the people of Israel now by making gifts to AFMDA on a yearly basis. She's a passionate advocate who speaks with friends and people she's just met about MDA and its mission of protecting, saving, and giving life.