There are countless ways mothers and daughters bond—whether through shared hobbies, activities, or time spent together. But for Rotem, 21, and her mother, Hanit, 51, their bond has taken an incredible and life-saving turn.

Together, they’ve just completed the United Hatzalah EMT course, ready to answer the call when lives are on the line.

This remarkable duo from Kibbutz Ruhama near Sderot decided to become EMTs after the tragic events of October 7, which hit close to home in ways that deeply affected them both.

“October 7 opened our eyes to how important it is to help people who are in need,” Rotem explained. “The events happened so close to us, to people we know, people I studied with, and to people my mom worked with. It happened right under our noses, and it could’ve also happened to us. That was a wake-up call for us both.”

This tragedy pushed both mother and daughter to pursue their long-standing interest in the medical field. “It’s a field that’s always interested us,” Rotem shared. “I want to become a doctor, and my mom also wants to work in the medical field. It’s a desire that has always burned in us, and October 7 gave us the push and motivation we needed.”

United Hatzalah’s EMT course felt like the perfect fit for Rotem and Hanit. “We chose to do the course at United Hatzalah because we understood that it was more than just about training—it’s about being part of a supportive community,” Rotem said. “As a United Hatzalah EMT, you’re always ready to save lives without the limitations of fixed shifts.”

Having completed their training, Rotem and Hanit are eager to go out together and save lives in their community. “I’m so excited to go out together with my mother to save lives,” Rotem said with enthusiasm. “It’s such a privilege to do this together.”