This year, the Tisha B'Av fast will begin on Monday 12/8/24 at sunset and end on Tuesday evening. MDA is prepared with medics and paramedics who will operate in an enhanced manner with an array of ambulances, intensive care vehicles, motorcycles and other emergency vehicles throughout the country. In addition, MDA teams are prepared for the thousands of worshipers expected to arrive at the Western Wall plaza in Jerusalem.
Every year, MDA teams treat many calls for victims of dehydration, weakness, fainting and exhaustion, as a result of the fast and the heavy heat that prevails this season. Last year, the MDA medics and paramedics treated hundreds of people who needed medical assistance during the fast, suffering from weakness and dizziness , dehydration, or fainting.
CEO of MDA, Eli Bin:
We call on the public to fast - we made sure to observe the rules and take care of your health and that of your surroundings - especially of the elderly and adults who need assistance. We urge the public to drink enough water before the start of the fast and stay as much as possible in shaded and air-conditioned places, especially in these days of intense heat. The MDA medics and paramedics are at the service of the public, just like every other day of the year, and will come to treat any sick or injured person, quickly and professionally. This year, in the shadow of the war, Magen David Adom calls on the public to continue to obey the defense instructions of the Home Front Command and the security forces.
MDA recommendations - this is how you will pass the fast in peace:
- A meal breaks: Be sure to drink plenty of water before starting the fast, and reduce the amount of caffeinated beverages (coffee, cocoa, cola, energy drinks, tea). It is also recommended to avoid drinking sweet drinks that increase the feeling of thirst, and to avoid particularly salty foods, such as pickles and crackers, which cause fluid absorption and thirst. Children who are not used to fasting and do not rest enough during the fast, should make sure to drink plenty of water before the fast, and stay in shady areas during it. In the break meal, it is recommended to combine all the food groups, including complex carbohydrates with proteins and vegetables, which create a feeling of satiety for a longer time.
- sick and elderly: MDA recommends that patients and the elderly consult their doctor before fasting. Patients suffering from kidney failure, heart disease, arteriosclerosis, coronary artery problems, cancer patients, kidney transplant recipients, heart or liver patients should continue to take medications as usual, due to the fear that the disease will worsen Cessation of medication, as well as those suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy and overactivity or lack of thyroid gland.
- Pregnant women: MDA recommends that pregnant women consult with their attending physician before fasting, and act according to his recommendation.
- Dehydration: The fast of Tisha B'av falls during the hot summer months and in the midst of a heavy heat wave, therefore very high temperatures. Staying in the heat and avoiding food and drink may endanger those fasting, especially babies, children and the elderly. In any case where general weakness is felt and signs of dehydration appear (weakness, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea and vomiting) the MDA teams should be called quickly by calling the emergency number 101. Magan David Adom urges the public to keep in touch with older family members, in order to make sure that they are feeling Good throughout the fast.
- The departure of the fast: It is recommended to break the fast with a light meal. Start with a lukewarm drink (not too hot) accompanied by a slice of cake or two slices of bread with cheese. After about an hour you can have a meal.