NSW branch of MDA appoints new Boss

Craig Boss, who commenced his new role as CEO of the Sydney-based Australian Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA) last month, said a moment of reflection when he turned 60 led him to depart the corporate world last year to focus on work that he felt had more meaning.

The ex-South African brings decades of financial services experience, a track record of community volunteerism, and a renewed sense of purpose to the organisation, which directly supports Israel’s vital emergency medical services provider, Magen David Adom (MDA).

After spending many years as an insurance adviser, Boss made “a philosophical change in life in general” last year, inspired by the Japanese concept of ikigai, which highly values and prioritises the pursuit of work that makes a positive difference, and that one has passion, energy and suitable skills for.

“I decided I wanted to move into something that I had a passion for,” Boss told The AJN last week.

“That’s how I want to live the rest of my working life.”

His search led him to AFMDA, whose core mission of saving lives has, post-October 7, “become even more vital than it ever was before in Israel”.

“I felt a real pull towards this organisation and what could be done directly for our brothers and sisters in Israel.

“It’s a way that people, who are in the Diaspora, can contribute directly to saving lives in Israel.”

Boss emphasised how MDA remains a self-funded organisation that relies on donations, as the Israeli government “only covers certain costs, like the blood that is supplied by MDA’s blood bank.

“Donations go directly towards purchasing life-saving equipment like ambulances, medi-cycles, defibrillators and other essential gear, and towards provision of training for the almost 20,000 MDA volunteers and staff,” he said.

“Just recently, MDA was directly involved in the repatriation of Geffen Bitton – an Israeli who was severely injured in the Bondi terror attack – for specialist ongoing treatment he needs. So, MDA has far-reaching capabilities.”

Boss, who is a Beyond Blue “lived experience” speaker and mental health advocate, has volunteered in Sydney’s Jewish community since he moved to Australia in 1999, predominantly through serving on the board of Dover Heights Synagogue.

He said AFMDA was instrumental in funding the establishment in 2018 of MDA’s Human Milk Bank, which helps feed babies in need, and it has secured the funding for a new ambulance and medical emergency response facility in the north Negev town of Lehavim, with construction recently commencing.

Looking ahead, Boss will attend the annual international MDA “Impact” conference this October in Israel, where several dedication ceremonies will be held for new ambulances and medi-cycles that were purchased via contributions by Australian major donors.

Boss has already hired a new office manager, and said he is inspired by the organisation’s many dedicated volunteers.

“I’m excited to grow the organisation, to raise its profile in the Jewish community in NSW, and to continue efforts to raise vital funds for MDA’s life-saving work in Israel.”

To donate visit: magendavidadom.org.au/mda-australia