Magen David Adom is busy preparing for the Friday 27 Elul levaya for the late Shimon Peres, Israel’s ninth president.

Many tens of thousands will begin marking his death by heading to the Knesset on Thursday, where the body of the late president will lie in state.

MDA will be out in force amid the realization world leaders and an international host of VIPs will be among the mourners attending the funeral on erev Shabbos.

MDA commanders met throughout the day on Wednesday to discuss the levaya as officers in charge of special operations are mapping out the plan for coverage on Thursday and Friday. Needless to say MDA is working in total coordination with Israel Police, which is in charge of the overall operation, that involves the Shin Bet and many other agencies.

Upon hearing of the petira of Mr. Peres on Wednesday morning, MDA Chief Eli Bin stated “We got up sad with the bad news of the death of a loved one, a model symbol of the nation and the world, Mr. Shimon Peres.

“Upon learning of his death we started preparing for heightened operations to provide coverage for the hundreds of thousands expected to take part in various aspects of saying goodbye to Mr. Peres. At the same time, extensive preparations for the operation are ongoing as MDA personnel stand ready for regular service as well as special events. MDA bows its head with great sadness and sorrow over the loss of Mr. Peres”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)