You can make a difference

In March, we held a full-day, 9-hour community emergency responder training in Goren, including participation from the Regional Security Chief. The session combined our Hebrew workshop with classroom learning, simulations, donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and live hands-on fire suppression exercises. Just one hour into the program, theory turned into reality when a fire broke out at the local aluminum factory. Tragically, a worker without protective gear suffered second- and third-degree burns, a moment the trainees witnessed in real time as the fire department responded. This incident powerfully underscored the critical importance of preparedness, proper PPE, and the very risks we had been discussing minutes earlier. The Regional Security Chief praised the training’s professionalism and impact, noting how engaged and motivated the team felt to bring this new knowledge back to their community. For Goren, the training was not just an exercise—it was a wake-up call that translated immediately into awareness, urgency, and readiness. With their new equipment and skills, the community is now better positioned to protect both responders and residents in the face of future fire threats.

Like many communities in Israel, Kibbutz Magen historically relied on its security team to double as fire responders, leaving critical gaps in readiness. With our support, Magen has now established its first dedicated volunteer firefighting unit, separating fire response from security duties for the first time. Over the past year, expired fire extinguishers, hoses, and reels were replaced across public, agricultural, and residential areas, and even the kibbutz’s old fire truck was restored to working condition. In May, we delivered our comprehensive wildfire prevention and suppression training that equipped community emergency responders with the skills, confidence, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to respond safely and effectively. The training has already expanded the number of capable responders, ensuring faster and safer containment of fires until official firefighters arrive. In a heartfelt letter of appreciation, Magen’s leadership affirmed that this program has not only strengthened their emergency preparedness but also restored their community’s sense of security following the trauma of October 7th.

Within just two weeks of completing our wildfire training and equipment donation program, Kibbutz Gvar’am’s emergency response team successfully responded to two separate wildfire incidents. They mobilized within minutes to assist at a neighboring blaze in Netiv Ha’Asarah—safely suiting up in our donated fire-rated personal protective equipment (PPE), before containing the spread ahead of the fire department’s arrival. Their calculated and risk-aware response reflected the exact safety protocols taught in our course. Days later, another wildfire ignited at Gvar’Am’s own entrance just two hours after our live-fire drill concluded. The team deployed the very same tools, tactics, and donated equipment from our program—resulting in zero injuries, no structural damage, and swift containment. Post-incident, the Head of Security shared a message of gratitude and images of the team maintaining their gear—evidence of both behavioral change and the long-term value of proper PPE use and maintenance. These back-to-back responses demonstrate the measurable impact of our program: trained communities, safer outcomes, and real-world wildfire resilience.