Kibbutz Ein- Gedi maintains a Regional Rescue Unit to serve hikers stranded in the desert.

The Rescue Unit was established in 1974 by Eli Raz. The original team was comprised of 15 volunteers; today there are 45 brave, generous people who are responsible for saving many lives throughout the year.

Headed by Eiron Hofesh, the group volunteers their time and expertise to save countless lives of travelers in the area. They are primarily members of Kibbutz Ein Gedi as well as members of surrounding communities, field schools in the area and park preservationists.

The area for which the Ein Gedi Rescue Unit is responsible is very difficult and dangerous terrain. The hills of the Judean desert are filled with treacherous cliffs and narrow pathways, which presents a unique challenge for the Rescue unit. Special techniques and equipment are required and training and experience are vital to successful rescue missions. The unit performs 45 rescues a year, saving countless lives. The team requires extremely specialized equipment and training which is very costly. The funding comes from several sources: government funding, local municipality, and donations. There is a constant need for new gear, which must adhere to strict safety laws and insurance qualifications.

One of the goals of the valiant rescue crew is to create and educate the next generation of heroes. For this purpose, the Ein Gedi Rescue Unit teaches and coaches young people to be a part of the team. The training is strenuous, costly and time- consuming. In the past, the team trained many young people (some children of the original rescue team) in this extremely specialized field of rescue. Unfortunately, at the present time, due to lack of funds they aren't training new recruits. The team's ultimate dream is to establish a rescue school, which will train volunteers for units all over the country.

  Eiran Hofesh, who is the soul of the Ein Gedi Rescue Team, feels that, "It is vitally important to teach and train future generations of volunteers. We are not just a rescue team; the connection between people and the desert is the ultimate experience. Whoever saves one life, saves himself as well."

Recently, there was an evening honoring the Rescue Unit of Ein-Gedi. Many dignitaries and politicians from the entire country came to praise and commemorate 30 years of service to the community. The Mayor of the Tamar Municipality officiated and stated; "These days when the spirit of giving has waned, here we see in the Ein-Gedi Rescue Team a strong spirit of devotion. Winter, summer, day or night, the rescue team works as a beacon in the Judean Desert. Many people owe their lives to the team and we are all grateful for the peace of mind and the sense of security they bestow upon us."