“In distress you called and I rescued you.” --Psalm 81:7 (watchword for Unit 669)

Oheb Shalom hosts two members of the elite Israeli Air Force Search and Rescue Unit 669: Captain (Res.) Bar Reuven (left), a decorated member of 669 and founder of AFU 669, and First Sgt (Res.) “TS,” a 669 veteran who was called on October 7 and served 150 days in Gaza. They will talk about 669’s experiences in the Iron Swords war as well as the continuing and future needs of the Unit’s veterans.

Since the war began on October 7, Unit 669 has rescued an astounding 3,500 soldiers and civilians and has carried out critical search and rescue missions under fire. Sadly, seven members of the 669 have fallen to save their wounded comrades.  Unit 669 has also been very much involved in hostage rescue operations. Recently, Unit 669 participated in a highly dangerous and successful mission to destroy an Iranian missile factory in Syria.

Unit 669 was founded shortly after the Yom Kippur War when the IDF and the Air Force realized they needed a search and rescue unit that would be able to rescue downed pilots and soldiers trapped behind enemy lines, as well as those soldiers and civilians who may have been wounded or hurt inside Israel’s borders. The Unit also has a humanitarian goal and is often one of the first on the scene in any global natural disaster.

To see an example of Unit 669 in action, click here.

The content is appropriate for older teenagers/young adults.

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