Two weeks ago, on Shabbos morning, I received a phone call that immediately changed the day.

“Moshe, come to the base as soon as possible. We need everyone together in case missiles hit Bet Shemesh and we’re needed for search and rescue missions if Iran attacks.”

As part of Israel’s Homefront Command’s search-and-rescue team, our job is to enter destroyed buildings, search for people trapped under debris, and extract them to safety. Our job is also to help identify those who, unfortunately, do not make it out alive.

At the time, it felt like a precaution. Bet Shemesh was very quiet during the 12-day Iran-Israel war last year. Little did I know that just over 24 hours later, we would be rushing to Bet Shemesh to do exactly........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)