Recent events in Israel beginning last week have resulted in a rush for gas masks, Israel Radio reported on Wednesday, 19 Shevat 5773. During a regular week, about 1,400 gas masks are distributed as compared to Tuesday, 18 Shevat when 4,000 masks were given out.
The reports of stepped of fighting in Syria, the deployment of Patriot and Iron Dome batteries in northern Israel and warnings released by military commanders and politicians have led to an atmosphere of concern.
Interestingly, the largest demand for personal protection kits does not come from the northern, where one might expect, but the two busiest cities are Jerusalem and Beersheva. The distribution is handled by the Israel Postal Authority, which to date reports handing out 4,700,000 kits nationwide.
Persons wishing to contact the postal service regarding gas masks may phone 171 to place an advanced order.
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(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
The recent rush for gas masks in Yerushalayim has nothing to do with recent events. It has to with the post office sending out notices to everyone saying they must come by the end of the month (now postponed to the end of Feb.) to pick them up. When people are told they must come by a deadline to pick up their protection kits, it’s no surprise that many people showed up.