THE EREZ STORY.
Prior to October 7, Kibbutz Erez engaged Ehud Dribben, one of Israel’s leading security experts, to design and implement a comprehensive civilian first-response training program for its volunteer residents. Over the course of several months, participants underwent intensive, multidisciplinary training to strengthen their preparedness, coordination, and ability to respond effectively in emergency situations.
ON OCTOBER 7...
the unthinkable became reality. Hamas launched a coordinated, large-scale assault targeting Israeli civilians in communities surrounding the Gaza envelope. While many towns suffered devastating losses, extensive damage, and residents taken hostage, Kibbutz Erez successfully repelled the attack — sustaining zero civilian casualties and with no residents taken captive. Community members attribute this outcome to the rigorous civilian first-response training they had received under Ehud’s guidance.
THE EREZ STANDARD.
Following Kibbutz Erez’s successful defense during the October 7 attacks, its civilian first-response model has come to be regarded as a potential gold standard for community-based defense. Building on that proven framework, Ehud Dribben, through Magen 48, is leading a broader effort to ensure that every community surrounding the Gaza envelope is trained, equipped, and operationally prepared to defend itself against future threats.
Transforming the Lessons of October 7 into Preparedness
Magen 48 was founded to transform the hard lessons of October 7 into tangible, actionable preparedness. It is a civilian-led initiative dedicated to ensuring that communities across Israel are trained, retrained, and operationally ready to confront future threats with discipline and coordination. Through continuous training and structured readiness programs, Magen 48 seeks to improve civilian outcomes during times of crisis and attack. Ultimately, our mission is to shift civilians from passive bystanders to capable, confident participants in the defense of their communities — and, by extension, their way of life.
OUR TRAINING PROGRAM
