By Nativia Samuelsen

The Christian Embassy just achieved a major milestone in our efforts to strengthen the emergency responders network in northern Israel, as the fifth and final communications relay system and antenna were successfully installed in the Upper Galilee. With this latest donation, the entire Upper Galilee Regional Council can now communicate via secured lines, which has significantly enhanced the readiness of the local emergency teams.

While the rocket fire from Lebanon has abated due to the ceasefire with Hizbullah last November, the Iranian-backed terror militia remains a threat to Israel’s northern border communities. The Shi’ite terror militia fired over 10,000 rockets and drones into Israel during the current war, and also had plans to invade Israel, massacre civilians and take scores of hostages like Hamas did from Gaza on October 7. Such a threat can never be ignored, so the ICEJ has been helping the northern towns and villages to be prepared with secured radio devices to improve communication among their first responder teams. This is in addition to supplying 50 bomb shelters to vulnerable communities near the Lebanese border over the past 20 months.

For years, this northern border region lacked sufficient communication gear for their emergency squads. The limited communication lines and mountainous terrain in the region posed serious challenges for civilian security teams, often blocking the transmission of urgent messages and distress calls during crises. The new relay system effectively eliminates these blind spots, ensuring clear, secure, uninterrupted communication in even the most remote locations.

But we have now completed the installment of a special radio network that has been months in the making and will prove crucial to the safety of the region.

The Upper Galilee is now equipped with reliable communication devices and systems to help protect these frontline communities from terror threats in future. This is part of a nationwide project in which the ICEJ is distributing over 500 Motorola walkie-talkies and other smart handheld devices, plus base stations, antennas, and charging equipment to first responders across Israel.

These communication devices serve a wide array of critical functions. They boost civilian emergency preparedness and are used by neighbourhood patrols, youth movements, school bus drivers, and 24/7 emergency volunteer teams. They also act as essential backup systems in the event of a cyber or armed attack on other infrastructure. During such emergencies as wildfires or rocket attacks, emergency response teams and local volunteers often struggle to coordinate effectively to ensure the safety of residents and provide swift assistance in a crisis. These devices help bridge the communication gaps between local emergency responders, community leaders, and national security and emergency response teams, ensuring better cooperation and faster responses when it matters most.

The urgency of real-time communication was never more evident than during the October 7 attack. Amnon Ziv, Security Chief of the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council, shared how these radio devices helped spare many lives in southern Israel when Hamas invaded from Gaza.

“On October 7, I saw the Hamas terrorists break through the barrier, and I pressed one button that alerted all our security teams,” Ziv explained. “Within two minutes our brave teams were at the fences of their communities defending their citizens and eliminating the terrorists. One button pushed saved the lives of 3,000 people that day.”

That moment showed the extraordinary value of a fast, reliable communications network in a time of crisis, especially when all other systems were down.

Dotan Rochman, the security chief for the Upper Galilee assured as well that “the paramedic kits and communication devices enable us to better manage the civilian security response for our region.”

In addition, the ICEJ provided the border municipality of Tzfat with several rounds of communication devices. In appreciation, in a meeting with the mayor, Yossi Kakon, and local security officials he presented us with certificates of recognition, stating:
 “With profound gratitude and appreciation for your unwavering support of Tzfat, your generosity and solidarity have served as a beacon of strength and resilience for our community.”

This project was made possible through the support of our Christian donors from around the world. Key support came especially from the ICEJ branches in Switzerland, Austria, Canada, and Australia. This global effort reflects a deep solidarity with Israel’s frontline communities and their urgent needs for public safety and resilience.

In a country where every second counts, especially during rocket attacks or infiltration attempts, these systems have already proven to be lifesavers. And behind every antenna and communication device is the support and dedication of Christian supporters around the world. The impact of this project will surely be felt for years to come, in faster response times and in the sense of safety it brings to families living under constant threat. As one region becomes more secure, it lights the way for others to follow.

Please support our Israel in Crisis fund, which enables us to meet the most pressing needs of Israel’s frontline communities and helps the nation as a whole recover from this prolonged war. Give today at: help.icej.org/crisis

Main photo: The new radio communication devices.