Arei Yisrael
From Vision to Reality
On the night of May 10, 2021, as rockets lit up the skies over Israel, a painful new reality was revealed. Operation Guardian of the Walls was not merely a military confrontation with Gaza—it marked a deeper rupture from within. In Israel’s mixed cities, scenes of violence unfolded as Arab citizens attacked their Jewish neighbors.
Amid the chaos, a small group of deeply concerned citizens gathered, driven by a profound sense of purpose. They recognized the limitations of official systems to respond swiftly and effectively, and understood that the time had come for bold, civic action. Motivated by a deep sense of duty and responsibility, Arei Yisrael was born.
Launched in August 2021, the organization embraced a clear and ambitious vision to strengthen civil security, enhance local and national response systems, promote balanced public discourse, develop advanced intelligence and research capabilities, and deepen partnerships with government institutions. This vision was based on the “Five Fingers” strategy, which became the basis for Arei Yisrael’s activity.
In a short time, Arei Yisrael grew from a grassroots initiative into a national movement with significant influence in the field of community security. The organization has earned the trust and recognition of major public and security institutions, including the Israel Police, the Community Security Authority, Home Front Command, and the Israeli Volunteering Council. These bodies view Arei Yisrael as a professional, strategic partner driving real change on the ground.
The organization began spearheading national initiatives, such as establishing community command centers and launching programs to strengthen rapid response teams. By 2023, Arei Yisrael was already providing extensive support to 50 communities, distributing essential protective equipment and assisting in the formation of hundreds of rapid response units throughout the country. These achievements laid a vital foundation for confronting future security challenges.
When the war with Gaza broke out in October 2023, the organization immediately activated its emergency infrastructure, mobilizing over 7,000 volunteers within days. These efforts brought not only greater security to local communities but also demonstrated the power of organized civilian readiness in moments of national crisis.
Today, Arei Yisrael stands at the forefront of the fight for Israel’s internal security. Born out of crisis, it has become a transformative force in Israeli society by mobilizing thousands of volunteers, partnering with government and defense agencies, and operating with a clear, enduring vision: to strengthen civil and community security and contribute to national security.
This is the story of a civic initiative that became a dream come true—the story of a community demonstrating that out of crisis hope can grow, and with collective responsibility a safer future can be built for all of us.
Colonel (Res.), educator, and former head of the Lod community command center during Operation Guardian of the Walls. Resident of Lod.
Social media activist, strategic advisor to Members of Knesset and ministers. Resident of Lod
Community liaison for civil security development. Former special forces police officer. Resident of Lod.
Former Jerusalem District Prosecutor's Office attorney. Former resident of Lod.
