Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the communities hardest hit on October 7, is rebuilding its sense of security by retraining its civilian emergency standby squad. During the attack, 69 residents were killed and 76 were taken hostage, and the community was left devastated. With many residents still displaced and no schools operating, restoring safety has become central to efforts to bring families home.

The new security team is undergoing an intensive training program led by Magen 48, an organization founded to strengthen local defense readiness across Israel. The group provides structured sessions throughout the year, teaching volunteers how to respond quickly and effectively to armed threats. Its founders say the goal is to ensure that communities are prepared to defend themselves without waiting for outside assistance.

For Nir Oz, the training carries deep emotional weight. Drills now take place inside the community the volunteers may one day need to defend, a reality that can resurface trauma for survivors. Organizers say strengthening these local teams is not only about physical protection, but also about rebuilding trust and creating the conditions necessary for residents to feel safe enough to return.