Without Hesitation: Story of Reservists Dispatched to Terrorist-Infested Sderot

During the very first few hours of the war, a reserve battalion dispatched to one of the most terrorist-infested locations in southern Israel - the city of Sderot. Though they witnessed difficult sights and focused on the important mission of defending civilians, they managed to maintain their compassion and humanity. A commander in the IDF Northern Gaza Regional Brigade recalls the challenging moments and the operational achievements:

The entire State of Israel remembers the first video that went viral on the morning of October 7th: A quiet street on a peaceful Saturday morning. Within a second, the city of Sderot becomes the things of nightmares. 

Among the forces that were dispatched to the area were the reservists of the Northern Regional Brigade. “When I Opened my phone I saw things were escalating - I couldn’t believe my eyes.” says LTC (res.) Tal. “We realized we needed to call everyone immediately, and the commanders, soldiers and those in key positions arrived to our emergency storage facilities in the south.

The 969 battalion is considered a defense battalion in the Northern Regional Brigade. “Our mission this time was defense over the city of Sderot and the towns and communities around it. defending the city of Sderot and the towns around it”.

After getting their equipment, vests, rifles, helmets, the reservists were sent to Sderot, but not before conducting target practice and combat in urban and open areas to refresh their memories. “Mental readiness was also something that was important to us,” says LTC (res.) Tal. “It’s important to reduce the soldiers’ uncertainty, especially since they’re going to witness some difficult things”.

After arriving in Sderot, the reservists were shocked by the horrors they encountered. “In Re’im, for example, which we passed through on our way, there was an ongoing bloody battle. There were bodies and vehilceles with bullet holes that were set on fire. It was complete chaos, but seeing that made us realized that if we were called, it was without a doubt not only our duty but our privilege to defend Israel and its civilians.

The reservists have been working around the clock since and have taken an active effort in evacuating the residents of Israeli towns surrounding Gaza. “We get up every day and respond to alerts and reports. We have forces securing the city, ready to thwart any terrorist that attempts to infiltrate. We are patrolling the area both in vehicles and on foot and have control posts set up. Additionally we provide assistance with the damages caused by falling rockets, wether it is in responding to the incident or evacuating injured civilians.”

“The local residents radiate love and warmth and show a lot of appreciation. Some of them understandably feel the need to share and we make sure to listen to their stories. While that isn’t part of our duty as soldiers it is part of our duty as humans.”

“It is important for me to send a message to the people here in Sderot and throughout Israel - Even after such horrors we can grow. I believe in our nation. I believe we will return to our old selves and unite. Until then - we are making every effort to keep you safe, and succeed in our mission of defense.