In celebration of World Blood Donor Day, Israel and countries worldwide will observe the importance of blood donations. This year, Magen David Adom (MDA) has released new research and statistics shedding light on the motivations behind blood donations in Israel, as well as how the country is preparing for this crucial observance.

A recent study conducted by Bar-Ilan University researchers, including Professor Racheli Maggenzi and her colleagues Dr. Tzidok Moshe and Dr. Irina Rodik, aimed to uncover the true motivations behind blood donations in Israel.

According to the study, the primary motivator for blood donation is solidarity, with people being driven by a moral urge to help others and save lives. This finding received a remarkably high average score of 4.53 out of 5.

Despite the clear inclination towards altruism, the study also revealed that emergency donation calls on social media platforms like WhatsApp trigger a stronger response, highlighting the power of social media in motivating people to donate.

The research, which surveyed 907 blood donors across Israel, concluded that the willingness to donate is influenced not only by a sense of moral responsibility but also by marketing stimuli such as advertisements, campaigns, and personal messages. Social media has emerged as a key platform for sharing donation drives, with WhatsApp leading as the preferred tool among all age groups.
An Israeli man donates blood. (credit: MDA SPOKESPERSON)
An Israeli man donates blood. (credit: MDA SPOKESPERSON)
The study also noted that fear of needles, discomfort, and lack of time are significant barriers to blood donation. However, experienced donors tend to exhibit stronger motivation due to a heightened sense of solidarity.

The researchers suggest that blood donation organizations should focus on personalized marketing and leverage existing donors as ambassadors to engage others, especially using social media to encourage donations.

"Blood donation is one of the most significant altruistic acts a person can do for others," says Professor Racheli Maggenzi, the head of the research team. "The findings confirm that in times of need, Israelis know how to support each other and save lives. However, we need to continue to find ways to encourage donations throughout the year, not just during emergencies."

World Blood Donor Day, observed annually on June 14, raises awareness about the importance of blood donations and honors the birthday of Dr. Karl Landsteiner, who discovered blood types in 1900, enabling safe blood transfusions.

According to Magen David Adom's Blood Services, 271,036 blood units were donated between June 14, 2023, and June 11, 2024. Among these donations, 43,739 came from first-time donors, and 65.2% of donations came from men, highlighting a strong level of participation in saving lives.

Israel's top blood-donating cities include Jerusalem, with the highest number of donations at 16,108 units (5.94% of the total), followed by Tel Aviv (11,296 donations) and Haifa (10,711 donations).

Impact of the Israel-Hamas War on blood donations

Due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas War, there has been an increased use of whole blood units, especially Type O blood, which contains all blood components and antibodies critical for emergency situations. MDA supplied 12,750 whole blood units to hospitals and the IDF during the past year, significantly aiding in saving lives.

MDA urges the public to donate blood year-round, especially on World Blood Donor Day, with donations directly supporting the sick, the injured, and women in labor. The demand for blood is especially high during times of crisis, and MDA continues to emphasize the need for consistent blood donation.

Lior Altman, director of MDA's National Blood Donation Program, shared, "Thanks to the dedication of Israeli citizens, both civilians and soldiers, we can meet the demand for blood for patients, the injured, and women in labor. We thank every donor who took the time to save lives, and we invite the public to continue this vital life-saving mission."

To meet Israel's healthcare needs, MDA's Marcus National Blood Center in Ramle, which houses the world’s first underground, fortified blood bank, processes up to half a million blood units annually. This advanced facility plays a key role in ensuring the safety and accessibility of blood throughout Israel, especially in emergency situations.

MDA's call to action: Donate blood and save lives

MDA Director-General Eli Bin emphasized the role of blood donations in life-saving treatments: "In many cases, saving a life begins with a donor’s blood flowing from their arm, through MDA's Blood Services, to the patient for critical treatment. We thank all Israelis who continue to donate and help save lives across the country."
Mobile blood donation with Magen David Adom (credit: MDA SPOKESPERSON)
Mobile blood donation with Magen David Adom (credit: MDA SPOKESPERSON)
Zaki Heller, MDA spokesperson, highlighted the critical importance of this mission: "Blood donations are a fundamental part of life-saving medical care. Thanks to hundreds of thousands of donors each year, we ensure that those in need receive the blood they require for treatment."

MDA encourages the public to donate blood at any time throughout the year. To find donation sites or for more information, visit www.mdais.org/dam or call 03-5300400. Appointments and pre-donation questionnaires can also be completed in advance, making the process even more accessible.