In a step to bolster emergency response capabilities, the Israel Police inaugurated four new bullet-proof ambulances yesterday. This move follows the tragic October 7th massacre, where the inability of search and rescue forces to enter battle zones and treat the wounded led to significant casualties. The lack of protected emergency vehicles prevented EMS from reaching civilians, resulting in hundreds of lives lost. These new ambulances, a pioneering donation by the nonprofits “Israel Friends” and “Let’s Do Something,” will be used by the police’s elite units in future emergency scenarios.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Valerie Shoshan, nonprofit teams, and donor representatives.

The ambulances, fortified by B6 Armored Protection, feature ballistic glass windows capable of stopping shots from AK-47s, pistols, and assault rifles. The steel plate doors create an armored capsule around the vehicle, offering robust protection while ensuring the ambulance remains light and easy to maneuver. Additional safety features include an armored roof, an intercom system, run-flat tires, emergency lights, and specialized cameras.

Previously, armored ambulances were exclusively used by Israel’s National Counter Terrorism Unit (Yamam). The new vehicles will now serve elite units such as Yamas (the Israel Border Police’s undercover counter-terrorism unit), the Gideonim (a specialized undercover counter-terrorism unit), Yasam (special patrol), and other specialized units. These ambulances will also be utilized by the police’s medical facilities.

“Let’s Do Something,” one of the donating nonprofits, was established on October 8th by a group of friends in response to the murder of their close friend, David Newman, at the Nova festival. CEO Baruch Epsdorf highlighted the nonprofit’s mission, stating, “One who saves a life saves the world entire. In war, sometimes life comes at the cost of another life—and different opinions can represent different values in this choice. Armored ambulances represent a precise and straightforward choice of unique lifesaving, with no calculation. We are proud to be part of this movement.”

Israel Friends, the other contributing nonprofit, was formed following the October 7th terrorist attack. The organization has since streamlined donations, securing around 500 tonnes of equipment—worth approximately 26 million dollars—for the IDF and Israel’s security forces.

Police Commissioner Yaakov Shabtai emphasized the necessity of these ambulances in his address, stating, “Armored ambulances are necessary in areas where rescue forces cannot reach, especially for special units operating in difficult zones and regions far from medical centers. This is an initial response to save lives.” He presented a recognition award on behalf of the Israel Police to the representatives of the donating organizations.

Jordan Fried, an American investor and co-founder of Israel Friends, remarked, “In the barbaric attack by the terrorist organization Hamas on October 7th, we were exposed to the significant need for armored ambulances for the security forces. If they had existed, many lives could have been saved. We stand and will always stand by the State of Israel, praying for better days.”

Kyle Blank, CEO of Israel Friends, added, “On October 7th, the whole world was exposed to the supreme heroism and bravery of the Israeli police officers. Since then, we have seen 63 police heroes who gave their lives protecting our homes. There is no doubt that the new armored ambulances we have the privilege of donating will significantly help the police in future emergencies, in the hope that they will not occur again. The Israel Friends organization salutes the Israel Police and will always stand by their side.”