This Sunday morning should have been filled with laughter and Purim excitement, instead it began with wailing sirens.
In the early hours of March 1, 2026, even before children should have been preparing to head to school in costume, missile alerts shattered the quiet across much of Israel. By 7:00 a.m., streaks of Iron Dome interception replaced the anticipation of celebration. Despite having only a few hours of rest, United Hatzalah’s volunteers were already in full gear and motion.
Since before dawn, the organization’s National Dispatch Center had shifted into full operational tempo with the first air raid siren. Volunteers across the country left their homes, synagogues, and workplaces, responding simultaneously to alerts in the north, south, east, and center of this tiny country. Alongside the steady stream of routine emergencies came the grim reality of war: missile impacts, blast injuries, and civilians wounded while seeking shelter.
Throughout the day, that dual reality defined our long-standing mission. Chest pains, falls, and respiratory distress were answered in parallel with impact zones, structural damage, anxiety, and fear.
Training for the Worst During War
Even as real time emergencies unfolded, United Hatzalah volunteers conducted a large-scale tactical training drill during the morning hours. The exercise simulated a complex missile attack scenario in an urban setting, a scenario no longer theoretical.
Volunteer physicians, paramedics, EMTs, ambulance teams, drone operators, and members of the Psychotrauma and Crisis Response Unit worked in coordinated formations focused on rapid extraction and transport under high pressure conditions. The goal was clear. Every second matters. Improved synchronization, clear command structure, and seamless transfer to hospital care can mean the difference between life and death.
In the midst of a national crisis, preparation cannot be underestimated.
Missile Impacts in Beit Shemesh
At approximately 10:30 a.m., initial reports were received of another incoming missile strike. The impact zone was in the Beit Shemesh region. The first strike caused a crater in the roadway and minor fire damage but, remarkably, no reported injuries.
A second barrage later in the day would bring far more devastating consequences. Several buildings sustained significant destruction. Multiple casualties were reported. United Hatzalah volunteers rushed once again to the scene, navigating unstable structures and hazardous conditions to reach the wounded.
By the conclusion of the response, multiple fatalities had been confirmed. Dozens of individuals were treated for moderate and serious injuries and transported to nearby hospitals. Additional residents were treated on scene for acute anxiety and stress reactions, underscoring the profound psychological toll of repeated attacks.
Nightfall Missile in Jerusalem and Devastating News in Beit Shemesh
As night fell, sirens echoed once more across Israel. Shrapnel impact in the capital resulted in several injuries. Yet the deepest wound of the evening came with confirmation of news many had feared.
Following extensive search and rescue efforts after the earlier Beit Shemesh strike, Ronit Elimelech, Z”L, a dedicated United Hatzalah EMT and Ten Kavod volunteer, was confirmed among those killed in the attack. Her mother, Sarah, was also killed.
Ronit was one of the Heroes in Orange who had devoted herself to saving others. United Hatzalah’s leadership and volunteers extend their deepest condolences to the Elimelech family. May Ronit’s memory be a blessing.
Day Two by the Numbers
By the end of Sunday, the scope of activity reflected the intensity of the escalation:
- 2,439 regular emergency calls received
- 500 volunteers responded directly to missile related incidents
- 130 emergency medical vehicles deployed
- 71 individuals injured in missile attacks
- 10 fatalities resulting from missile attacks
- 119 individuals treated for anxiety and psychotrauma
Behind every statistic stands a human story. A family rushing toward shelter. A medic running toward danger. A dispatcher guiding a caller through chaos with steady calm.
Day and night, without pause, United Hatzalah’s volunteers remain committed to serving the people of Israel and responding immediately to every development.
Int
