By: Nativia Samuelsen

During a recent trip to southern Israel, an ICEJ delegation met with the security chief of the Sha’ar HaNegev region to help bolster their emergency preparedness. We arrived with 17 defibrillators, ready to support medical responders in a region that has experienced immense violence and trauma on and since October 7. Located just a few kilometers from the border with Gaza, Sha’ar HaNegev is a region in great need of more protective equipment. The Christian Embassy continues its strong commitment to this vulnerable area, which has already received from us dozens of bomb shelters, fire-fighting equipment, special communication devices, medical gear, and other life-saving equipment.

Defibrillators are essential in life-threatening situations, especially during cardiac arrest, where every second counts. Studies show that early defibrillation can boost survival rates by up to 70% when administered within the first few minutes of a cardiac event. The availability of these life-saving devices in high-risk areas provides a critical advantage in the sort of dire emergencies this region often faces.

Ayal Chajbi, security chief of Sha’ar HaNegev, was extremely grateful when accepting the defibrillators, noting their significance in times of crisis.

“I want to express how incredibly excited I am at this moment,” Ayal said. “Why am I so excited? Because as soon as I asked you for defibrillators, I heard, ‘You’ll have these defibrillators.’ We initially discussed needing 14, but in the end, we received 17.”

“You are wonderful people,” he continued. “You do things you are not required to do; you do them from the heart and soul. In Israel, saving a single life is like saving an entire world. I experienced this firsthand when I saved someone at an intersection by running to them with a defibrillator.”

“Today, I want to say thank you so much for everything you do for us,” he added. “You are the good people who go above and beyond. We are a country that often needs to take care of itself, but there are people like you who are always there to support us. For this, I owe you a heartfelt thanks. Your support means the world to us.”

The Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council is now placing these defibrillators in educational institutions and security vehicles to ensure they are readily accessible during emergencies. In a place where every second counts, these devices ensure that the community is prepared for any medical emergency.

As tensions remain high, the provision of these life-saving devices underscores the Christian Embassy’s dedication to the safety and survival of Israel’s vulnerable border communities. Please join us by giving our Israel in Crisis fund.

Donate today at:  give.icej.org/crisis

Main photo: ICEJ