WE NEED YOUR HELP TO RESPECT THEIR MEMORY
(Scroll down to get to know them)
Unit 669 and our Alumni organization
Unit 669 is the Airborne Combat Rescue and Evacuation Unit of the Israeli Air Force and one of the 4 elite special forces units of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Unit 669 was established in the aftermath of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, when the IDF had no way to rescue downed pilots who were eventually captured behind enemy lines.
Over the years, the unit’s mission has expanded to address new threats and conflicts. Today, Unit 669 is responsible for the rescue and evacuation not only of all Israel military personnel but also Israel’s entire civilian population in their darkest hours, no matter the circumstances—from mass casualty events, to terror attacks and car accidents.
On call 24/7, the unit’s defining characteristic is the ability of its combat rescue operators to respond to catastrophic emergencies at a moment’s notice. Today, Unit 669 is Israel's only national security rescue service—serving as a safety net to all its citizens, both within Israel’s borders and beyond.
During its 50 years of operation, the unit has rescued over 17,000 wounded soldiers and civilians.
To learn more about Unit 669, click here to watch this video introduction to the unit. ( English Version or French Version)
Unit 669 in the Swords of Iron War
Unit 669 has been active in non-stop risky combat rescue missions starting October 7th deploying unit members from the air as well as on the ground. The unit saved more than 2,000 lives since the beginning of the war, active and reserve soldiers are serving more than 120 days in a row on the battlefield.
Unit 669's teams along with their helicopter squad are responsible for bringing the hostages back to Israeli soil and accompanying them in this transition, while providing them medical treatment.
Watch this video to see one of these unique moments.
In memory of our heroes
Over the years, until Oct. 7, 2023, Unit 669 has lost 11 soldiers. Tragically, this number has rapidly grown. Since the beginning of the Iron Sword War, Unit 669 rescued more than 2,000 civilians and soldiers from the battlefield. Unfortunately, the unit paid the heavy price in performing the lifesaving mission and lost some of our finest unit members and other unit members on October 7th., may their memory be a blessing.
Pain, loss, and longing are always present - with the families, friends, and the unit. We will continue to forever remember the fallen of the unit, learn from their legacy, and support the bereaved families.
To honor their memory, we established a small and temporary monument two years ago within the unit. To further honor these heroes, we aim to establish a full memorial monument along with a synagogue and prayer room in Unit 669.
This monument will be a symbolic place where our soldiers can pay their respects to their fallen brothers and sisters, and where we can gather to proudly remember our heritage and the sacrifices made by our soldiers.
Unit 669t and IDF have already approved the monument's plans, and we are now seeking financial support. We believe that this monument will serve as a lasting tribute to our fallen soldiers, and we hope that you will consider supporting us in this endeavor.
If you want to learn more, this is the full plan and this is the full budget.
Support and donations
Thanks to this platform we can raise funds from the US, ISR, EU, CA, and more.
We plan to name the monument after our generous donors, with their names displayed on-site.
Additionally, a special initiation ceremony will take place on-site with the donors themselves.
* Every amount is highly appreciated, but only donors of $7.2k and more will be considered as fallen soldier's sponsors and their names will be featured in the monument itself.
Scroll down to get to know their stories.
Help us spread the word and share this campaign with your friends, family, and community.
Unit 669's soldiers who were killed since Oct. 7th while serving in Unit 669
Captain Ido Joshua.
Was 27 years old only.
A Department commander of the training course.
for more info press here
Lieutenant Shay Aili.
Was 21 years old only.
A cadet at the officer's school.
for more info press here
Lieutenant Nethanel Menachem Eitan.
Was 22 years old only.
A cadet at the officer's school.
for more info press here
Major Ben Shelly.
Was 26 years old only.
A combat platoon commander.
for more info press here
Sergeant First Class Rom Hecht.
Was 20 years old only.
A combat soldier.
for more info press here
Unit 669's soldiers who were killed since Oct. 7th while serving in other units
Major Dr. Eytan Neeman.
Was 45 years old only.
Reservist, a combat physician.
for more info press here
Chief Sergeant First Class Dudy Digmi.
Was 43 years old only.
Reservist, a combat paramedic.
for more info press here
Unit 669's soldiers who were killed until Oct. 7th
Not part of Unit 669's active soldiers, but our soldiers' family members and veterans who were killed since Oct. 7th and we need to remember, respect, support, and strengthen their families
- Barak Davidi, Veteran
- Stav Barazani, Veteran
- Assaf Adberg, Veteran
- Captain Rom Shlomi, Veteran
- Gil Avital, Veteran's father
- Tomer Shpirer, Veteran's son
- Yehudit Itzahaki, Veteran's mother
- Native Kotzero, Veteran's brother
- Haim Livne, Veteran's father
- Yaniv, Yasmin, Keshet, Tchelet Zohar, Veteran's sister, and her whole family
- Alon Klein, Veteran's brother
For any additional questions or information needed, please email us at Office@afu669.org.
Thank you so much for considering supporting this project.
Am Israel Chai!
This is how it is going to look:
To see more, click here
