Customized Gas Masks for Israelis with Special Needs

As fear of an imminent attack on Israel grows daily, the need intensifies to safeguard Israeli citizens, especially its most vulnerable members of society. With its own resources stretched to the limit, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the police force turned to JDC for assistance in protecting the weakest members of the civilian population, those who cannot watch out for themselves.

One of the most urgent tasks is to help Israel's 30,000 citizens with special needs who are unable to wear the standard, regulation gas masks that the army issues for protection in the event of a chemical or biological attack. The physically and mentally disabled, those who suffer from acute respiratory illness, the autistic, and frail elderly are all susceptible in the case of a chemical or biological attack against Israel.

JDC's immediate response, with the assistance of Federations and donors, has been to provide funding for the manufacture and distribution of specially adapted gas masks to ensure that people with special needs are protected. These customized gas masks pull over the head and are fastened with a simple drawstring while an attached pump forces air into the mask and seals out poisonous chemical and biological agents. A prototype of this mask was developed during the Gulf War in 1991 for the protection of infants and young children.

As Israel prepares for the possibility of regional warfare, JDC is helping the country assist those with special needs, so all will be equipped in time of need.