EXCLUSIVE: Franklin Graham leads ceremony as Samaritan’s Purse gives armored 'bulletproof' ambulance to Israel

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Franklin Graham dedicates armored ambulance to Israel amid terror threats

Franklin Graham joins MDA in Jerusalem to dedicate an armored ambulance from Samaritan’s Purse. (Courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse)

As Israel continues to recover from the deadly Hamas attacks of October 2023, Samaritan’s Purse is stepping in to help. 

The Christian relief group has now given 20 ambulances to Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical service. A total of 42 are planned, with 28 being armored to handle attacks.

At a ceremony outside the Tower of David in Jerusalem, Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, dedicated the newest ambulance alongside former Governor Mike Huckabee, MDA leaders, and Israeli terror survivors. 

The ambulance is equipped with a mobile intensive care unit and can operate under fire.

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Franklin Graham (center), president of Samaritan’s Purse, stands with Ambassador Mike Huckabee (left) and Pastor Greg Laurie in front of the newly dedicated armored ambulance at the Tower of David in Jerusalem.

The funds for the vehicle came from Pastor Greg Laurie and his church, Harvest Christian Fellowship. Laurie told those gathered, "We want to say as Christians that we stand with Israel. You’re not alone."

Franklin Graham read from the Bible, saying that Abraham was like a first responder when he rescued his nephew Lot.

"Abraham was the MDA of his generation," Graham said. He also took time to speak directly to three women who had lost loved ones or had been held hostage by Hamas. One of them, Karina Engel, shared her emotional story. 

Engel's husband, Ronen, was killed defending their home, and she and her two daughters were kidnapped and taken to Gaza. They were held for 52 days before being released. Ronen’s body is still being held by Hamas.

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Franklin Graham embraces Karina Engel, a hostage survivor, during an emotional moment at the ambulance dedication ceremony in Jerusalem. Engel’s husband was killed in the October 2023 Hamas attacks. (Shealah Craighead via Samaritan's Purse)

Karina told the crowd that a Samaritan’s Purse ambulance, dedicated in her husband’s memory, is now stationed near their home. 

"Every morning when I leave for work, I say ‘good morning’ to Ronen," she said through tears. She then placed a yellow ribbon on Graham’s jacket, honoring those still held hostage.

Mike Huckabee spoke at the ceremony and said the need for an armored ambulance shows how serious the threat still is. "This is an occasion brought about because of suffering," he said. 

"Thank God for Samaritan’s Purse, Harvest Christian Fellowship, and the people who risk their lives to help others."

Magen David Adom leaders praised the donation. Director General Eli Bin said the ambulance "will become part of our modern defense" and called it a symbol of "kindness and protection." 

Franklin Graham stands beside the open rear doors of the new armored ambulance in Jerusalem. The vehicle is equipped with a mobile intensive care unit. (Shealah Craighead via Samaritan's Purse)

Gilad Erdan, global president of MDA, said Samaritan’s Purse "came to Israel’s aid in its time of greatest need."

Edward Graham, a military veteran and Franklin Graham’s son, said in a statement that he has seen the value of quick medical help in combat zones. 

"We do this because God loves Israel," he said. "We pray this equipment will save lives and bring glory to God."

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The ambulance carries a Bible verse from Jeremiah 29:11 on its side: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

The ceremony was held during Shavuot, the Jewish holiday that marks the giving of the Torah.

Twenty-two more armored ambulances are being built and are expected to arrive by the end of the year. Samaritan’s Purse says its work will continue as long as there is a need.