Holding the Gate: Yoav Shefer and Moshav Ein Habesor

Yoav Shefer, Head of Security of Moshav Ein Habesor, describes how his community defended itself during the October 7th attacks. Ein Habesor is home to about 1,200 residents, including approximately 230 families. On the morning of the attack, Yoav was alerted through a regional security WhatsApp group when Avi Korin, the security coordinator of nearby Kibbutz Holit, reported seeing terrorists approaching on motorcycles. Shortly after sending the warning, Avi was killed, but his message gave neighboring communities critical time to prepare.

Understanding that terrorists could reach Ein Habesor, Yoav immediately mobilized the local security team. At that time, only five first responders were available, each armed with an M16 rifle. Recognizing that this would not be enough, Yoav also called on residents who owned private weapons. Around 30 residents responded and were positioned along the community’s six-kilometer perimeter fence to provide early warning if terrorists attempted to infiltrate from multiple directions. The five first responders focused primarily on defending the main gates.

At approximately 7:54 a.m., a group of terrorists arrived at the front gate and attempted to break in, triggering a firefight. The engagement lasted roughly half an hour, from the first sirens until the area became quiet again. During the battle, the terrorists initially fired intensely and later used suppressive fire while evacuating their wounded before retreating and fleeing the area.

Despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned, the defenders of Ein Habesor managed to stop the attack. Sixteen terrorists were engaged, and the community was successfully protected. Yoav attributes the outcome to quick coordination, the courage of both the security team and residents, and what he describes as a combination of luck and miracle. No terrorists succeeded in entering the community, and the residents of Ein Habesor were saved.

The lights of Chanukah are meant to shine outward. They exist to publicize miracles. Not only ancient ones, but the miracles of courage, faith, and survival in every generation. Sigal’s story is one of those lights. A reminder that even after profound darkness, the Jewish people endure. That God’s care continues. Then, now, and always.

As we reflect on his bravery, it is important to honor not Yoav and the defenders of Moshav but all those who give of themselves everyday to protect others. Their stories deserve to be told and remembered.

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