The quiet heroes

Last night in Alei Zahav, a large community in the Shomron, we met with a large group of medics from the region, to distribute equipment. Specifically, medic bags. 

These were newly trained medics, who went through their three-month training period, which we require after they complete the six-month, 200+ hour course. In the three-month training period, they get supervised real-life experience in the field.  We don’t throw anyone into the field fresh and new. 

Among the attendees at the gathering last night were families from the “Center” of the country, (Center = Tel Aviv). These families came especially to dedicate the new medic bags to these new medics, because the bags were donated in memory of their children who were murdered at the Nova Music Festival on Oct. 7, 2023.

These families made their maiden voyage to Yehuda and Shomron for us, to donate these bags, to meet face-to-face the medic who would be saving lives in memory of their lost family members. The name and photo of each Nova victim is displayed on the bag.

It wasn’t a huge ceremony. There was no press. There weren’t famous speakers. It was kept quiet.

Because that’s who we are. We are quiet heroes. 

And we have learned, nobody is going to save us.

We must save ourselves — each other — and within our small country, that is what we are doing.

Our life is real. It isn’t Hollywood and it isn’t for sale. Nobody is getting big bucks wearing our logo, driving our ambulance, and saving lives in Yehuda and Shomron. 

Want to be part of reality? Join us. www.hatzalah.org.il

Natalie Sopinsky is the spokesperson for Rescuers Without Borders. She lives in Susya, Israel.