During this appalling massacre, it was the community first response teams in the rural villages and kibbutzim who bravely faced the initial onslaught from Gaza. They stood their ground for hours, enduring heavy casualties, defending their communities until the military could break through. These local volunteers, armed and authorized by the state, to serve as first responders, emerged as the unsung heroes, saving tens of thousands of Israeli lives. That said, having analyzed the events, it became evident that those teams were severely under equipped, in terms of weapons, personal equipment, communication and first aid.

From the very outset, Brothers and Sisters for Israel has shouldered the noble responsibility of supporting and resupplying these courageous defenders, helping these communities find a renewed sense of safety.