By Yoni Ari
On Oct. 7, 2023, the Jewish people witnessed an unprecedented attack on Israel, shaking our communities worldwide. In the midst of this horror, three women emerged as true heroes: Inbal Rabin-Lieberman, Amit Mann and Racheli Benacot. Their bravery, leadership and ability to act under extreme pressure saved lives and provided a model of resilience that we must adopt in Jewish communities everywhere.
Inbal Rabin-Lieberman, the security coordinator of Kibbutz Nir Am, demonstrated incredible foresight and decisiveness. The moment she sensed danger, she took swift action — arming herself and organizing her team before the terrorists could infiltrate the kibbutz. Because of her leadership, Nir Am remained unharmed, serving as a beacon of proactive preparedness.
Amit Mann, a 22-year-old paramedic from Kibbutz Be’eri, embodied selflessness. When the attack began, she didn’t run for cover; she stayed with her patients, ensuring they were safe. Tragically, she sacrificed her life while protecting others. Her courage reminds us of the vital role of medical responders in any crisis and the need to equip our communities with trained emergency medical personnel.
Racheli Benacot, chair of the Emergency Response Team in Kibbutz Be’eri, faced unimaginable personal loss — her brother, the security coordinator, was killed in the first hour, and her sister was murdered by Hamas. Yet in the face of this devastation, Racheli ran the situation room for 16 hours, directing emergency responses and ensuring the survival of many. Her ability to lead despite personal tragedy is a testament to the strength of community-driven emergency preparedness.
So, what can we learn from these women? First, preparedness is nonnegotiable. Inbal Rabin-Lieberman’s swift action shows that having a well-trained, well-equipped response team is the difference between safety and disaster. Jewish communities worldwide must take this seriously — building security infrastructure, training local leaders and running drills regularly.
Second, medical response is essential. Amit Mann’s sacrifice reminds us that communities must be ready to handle medical emergencies during a crisis. Every Jewish institution should have trained first responders and medical supplies readily available.
Third, leadership under pressure saves lives. Racheli Benacot’s ability to take charge despite overwhelming loss demonstrates the power of community resilience. Every community needs individuals who can step up and lead in times of crisis.
As Jewish communities in the diaspora, we often feel disconnected from the immediate dangers faced by our Israeli brothers and sisters. However, the lessons from Oct. 7 must be ingrained in us. Threats to our security — whether physical attacks, natural disasters, or antisemitic incidents — can arise anywhere. The time to prepare is now.
These women’s stories are not just tales of heroism; they are blueprints for action. If we want to honor their sacrifice, we must ensure that every Jewish community has the training, resources and leadership to respond effectively when faced with adversity. Their courage should inspire us all to take responsibility for our collective safety. ■
Yoni Ari is the executive director of the Jewish Emergency Preparedness Project and an Israeli American who splits his time between Israel and the United States.
