Contact: Jonathan Feldstein, 201-203-0983

JERUSALEM, Nov. 8, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Noted American broadcaster, and founder of Israel Always, Earl Cox, recently visited the Jerusalem branch of Israel's national blood center to show support and learn about Heart to Heart, a critical program to provide resources to ensure Israel always has a safe and plentiful blood supply. "With increasing turbulence in the Middle East, we are in a season of uncertainty. Christians have the opportunity to emulate our biblical forefather Joseph who prepared for a physical disaster and ensure the safety of the house of Jacob mentioned in the Book of Genesis," Mr. Cox noted.

Heart to Heart director, Jonathan Feldstein, accompanied Mr. Cox and a team of media professionals from the US, donating blood and sharing about the unique need for Israel to have an abundant blood supply in the event of a national disaster. "Not everyone can come to Israel and donate blood individually and there is no protocol for one to send blood between countries although many Christians in America wish to do so," explained Mr. Feldstein. "This virtual blood donation program enables anyone to bless and save lives in Israel from the comfort of their own home, even thousands of miles away. A virtual donation is a monetary donation which helps with expenses associated with processing blood, and to help fund the construction of urgently needed new collection and safe storage facilities," said Mr. Feldstein.

Mr. Cox added, "To express our love for all Israelis and to be a blessing to Israel, I wholeheartedly support the efforts of Heart to Heart. I believe that every group coming to Israel should plan a day for participants to make a deposit into Israel's blood bank. Those who cannot, may still sow into this program through a virtual blood donation. By doing one or both we fulfill Jeremiah 29:11, 'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.' This helps all Israelis, Jews and non-Jews, alike. I encourage my Christian brothers and sisters to sow into this project; one that gives hope to a people now and in the future."

Heart to Heart is a grassroots virtual blood donation program to help Israel increase its capacity and supply of blood to prepare for every emergency. For partnership information or to join Heart to Heart, please e-mail heart-to-heart@afmda.org or visit www.afmda.org/heart-to-heart.