Contact: Jonathan Feldstein, Heart to Heart, +972-57-761-4220

JERUSALEM, Israel, April 3, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- In Jerusalem this week, Heart to Heart sponsored a blood drive in memory of Dr. Charles Drew, the developer of modern techniques that led to the creation of large-scale blood banks. "Blood transfusions, long-term blood storage and many routine surgeries today would be impossible if not for his pioneering work," said Jonathan Feldstein, Heart to Heart director. He added, "Israel's National Blood Center has benefitted from the achievements of Dr. Drew and it's only befitting on his memorial to honor his legacy of saving lives."

Dr. Drew passed away on April 1, 1950. Drew was the first African-American to earn a Doctor of Medical Science from Columbia University as well as the first black surgeon to serve as an examiner on the American Board of Surgery. At the outbreak of the Second World War, Dr. Drew's pioneering work revolutionized blood storage and was the foundation for the American Red Cross Blood Bank.

The blood donors were Christians visiting Israel to attend the Jerusalem Assembly to bless the nation. "With nearly 8 million citizens, comprised of many different ethnic and religious groups, the need to increase Israel's blood supply and keep it safe has never been more critical," Feldstein remarked. "We are so appreciative of our Christian brothers and sisters for making it a priority to help save Israeli lives -- Jew and non-Jew alike."

The response from the participants was equally heartwarming, and reciprocal.

Virginia Shepherd of Texas sounded a spiritual note, "Giving blood in Israel is the greatest blessing, knowing the need and honoring the greatest nation on earth."

Don Franklin of Florida added effusively, "It was a joy to give blood to the Israel Blood Bank and leave something of myself behind to help others."

Thomas Lee Johnson of Washington, DC was grateful for the opportunity, "Israel is the jewel of democracy and religious freedom in her region and the courageous warriors and civil servants who defend her need our blood to fortify and deepen the benefits she gives to ALL her inhabitants."

Heart to Heart is a grassroots project of the American Friends of Magen Dovid Adom, enabling Americans to fulfill the Biblical mandate to bless Israel (Genesis 12:3) by sponsoring a whole unit of blood in Israel for just $100, or the components of a blood unit at lower amounts. For information about or to join Heart to Heart, visit www.afmda.org/hearttoheart or hearttoheart@afmda.org.