The tension with the start of retaliatory fire from Gaza is taking its toll: Yedidim has seen a thousands of percent increase in calls to repair a stuck safe room door or window, with residents fearing a lack of protection in case they need to enter the protected area. All calls were quickly answered by the organization's volunteers.
In light of the IDF's operation and the launch of Operation Shield and Arrow, and due to the tense security situation, Friends of Israel has prepared to assist thousands of volunteers nationwide, as and as necessary for the preparedness and protection of the home front.
Ariel Meir, volunteer coordinator at Netivot, repairs a stuck safe room window // Photo: Friends Spokesperson,
Since the beginning of the operation, there has been a thousands of percent increase in the number of calls and requests for assistance in opening and closing doors and windows from the safe room. According to data from the Friends Hotline, only yesterday (Tuesday) about 500 requests for assistance in these matters were received, with a total of over 1,000 so far. The calls received come mainly from the south but also from the center and north.
In all cases, the inquiries received a quick and efficient response from volunteers of friends who arrived at the homes and, using proper equipment, handled and used the windows and doors of the safe room.
Throughout the year, Yedidim volunteers undergo specialized training for emergency assistance and are prepared to assist in a variety of areas: opening and closing windows or safe room doors, transporting medicines, opening a slammed door, rescuing trapped people from an elevator and more.
Israel Almasi, CEO of Yedidim: "Yedidim continues to serve as a civilian anchor in routine and emergencies, and strengthens the hands of IDF fighters and security forces working for the security of Israeli citizens."
For requests for assistance, please contact the Friends Hotline 1230 hours a day, at <> without an asterisk or through the municipal hotline.
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