The Courage to Protect: Honouring Ilan Weiss,z"l, and the Spirit of Magen 48

Ilan Weiss, z"l

When we first set out to build Magen 48, many said it would never happen. The doubts came from every direction — that the army would never approve, that the communities wouldn’t trust, that there was too deep a divide between those who protect and those who need protection.

Yet here we are, only a year later. What began as a fragile idea has become a thriving reality. Magen 48 is no longer just a vision — it is a project transforming communities, strengthening trust, restoring confidence, and proving that resilience can be built through training, teamwork, and determination. Today, people are not just believing in it — they are raving about it.

This week we were reminded of the immense cost of October 7th with the return of the body of Ilan Weiss z”l, Deputy Commander of the Volunteer Civilian First Responders in Be’eri. Ilan gave everything for his community, and even in death, his story compels us to continue. His courage and sacrifice are the truest expression of what Magen 48 stands for: ordinary men and women who step forward to defend their people in their darkest hour.

As you read this first edition of Behind the Shield, you will see how far we have come — from concept to reality, from doubt to determination. You will also glimpse the stories of the people and the communities at the heart of this mission.

Magen 48 exists because Israel must never again be caught unprepared. And with your support, together we will ensure that it never is.