National Conference for Commanders of Israel Police Emergency Response Teams – Commissioner: “Bringing new strength, which adds very great power.”
Israel Police hold national conference for emergency response unit commanders to enhance readiness and recognize volunteer efforts.
“I salute you.” This evening, a national conference for the commanders of the Israel Police’s standby units was held at the National Police Academy in Beit Shemesh, in the presence of the Minister of National Security, MK Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Inspector General of the Police, Commissioner-General Danny Levy, the Head of the Communities and Volunteers Department, Superintendent Ran Levy, senior police command staff, and standby unit commanders from across the country. The conference, attended by 500 unit commanders, was held with the aim of strengthening and deepening the professional knowledge of the standby unit commanders, enhancing their operational readiness, and expressing gratitude for the dedicated work of all members of the standby units who volunteer for the security of Israeli citizens. The Minister of National Security, MK Itamar Ben-Gvir, said: “There is one moment that truly explains who the members of the standby units are: the phone rings, there is an incident – and they don’t ask questions. They put their family in the safe room, kiss their wife or husband, hug their children, grab a weapon, and run out to fight. Not for a salary, and not for honor – but because their heart tells them this is the right thing to do to protect their home.” The Inspector General of the Police, Commissioner-General Danny Levy, added: “The volunteer system of the Israel Police is a tremendous force. It has over twenty-four thousand male and female volunteers, who form our backbone in routine and in emergencies. On October 7th, we saw how the border line, in one moment, reached the doorstep of our homes. And since that fateful morning until today – we have not stopped for a moment. With immense effort, we established the standby units system. What took decades to build in routine, happened almost in a single moment of mobilization for emergency. This tremendous achievement did not happen on its own – it is the result of immense effort and hard work around the clock. Volunteer and commanders of the standby units, you bring with you a new strength, which adds great power to our actions. Your system is a strategic force like no other. Through your volunteerism, you are doubling the strength of the Israel Police. On behalf of the Israel Police – I salute you!” Head of the Communities and Volunteers Department, Superintendent Ran Levy: “The reality in the State of Israel has taught us in the clearest way that security does not rely only on systems, equipment, or technology, but first and foremost on people. On people who are willing to step up. On people who understand that their community is their responsibility. The standby units are one of the strongest expressions of this spirit. A spirit of volunteering, of mutual responsibility, and of genuine commitment to the state and the community. Together, we are succeeding in building a stronger security envelope for residents and strengthening the sense of security in the community.”
