Friends of Unit 669

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Friends of Unit 669

Our mission is to support Unit 669 veterans and make a lasting impact on their lives, as well as on Israeli society and communities worldwide.

American Friends of Unit 669 (AFU669) is a nonprofit strengthening the bond between American Jewish communities and Israel’s elite Combat Search and Rescue Unit 669. American Friends of Unit 669 (AFU669) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the connection between American Jewish communities and Israel’s elite Combat Search and Rescue Unit 669. Founded in 1974 following the Yom Ki

ppur War, Unit 669 is the Israeli Air Force’s premier Combat Search and Rescue unit. Originally focused on recovering downed pilots behind enemy lines, the unit has expanded its mission to include rescuing IDF personnel and civilians during mass casualty incidents, terror attacks, and natural disasters. AFU669 provides vital support through programs like PTSD assistance, scholarships, mentorship, and life-saving equipment to ensure veterans successfully transition to civilian life and continue to contribute to society. Join us in honoring the courage and commitment of Unit 669’s members by supporting our initiatives and participating in our events. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for those who have sacrificed so much to save others.

05/25/2026

Today, America honors its fallen. We stand with America for Memorial Day.
Two traditions. Two nations. One shared truth, the people who gave everything to protect life must never be forgotten.

To every American who lost someone in service: we honor them with you today.

05/19/2026

This is what Unit 669 can do in 60 seconds.

05/11/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined AFU 669 for An Evening of Music & Remembrance in honor of Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaShoah.

It was a moving night of reflection, unity, and tribute. We are grateful to our hosts, partners, and to William Goldstein for sharing his extraordinary music with our community.

Moments like these remind us of the power of memory, of standing together, and of honoring those whose stories must never be forgotten.

05/10/2026

This Mother’s Day, we honor the mothers who carry the quiet weight of service: the waiting, the worry, and the overwhelming relief of seeing their children come home.

05/05/2026

Prof. Avi Rivkind spent decades saving lives and shaping the people trained to save them.

As the founder of Israel’s first trauma unit at Hadassah, he stood at the front lines of Israel’s worst mass casualty events. Beyond the hospital, he had a meaningful connection to Unit 669. He reviewed evacuation reports, analyzed missions, and sharpened life-saving protocols with the unit’s fighters and medics over the years.

He was recently awarded the Israel Prize for Lifetime Achievement, one of the country’s highest honors.

We are proud to recognize him and say thank you.
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04/29/2026

The U.S. military's recent extraction of two downed pilots from deep inside Iran has been called one of the most complex rescue operations in American history: 155 aircraft, thousands of troops, and multi-day coordination under active enemy pursuit.

In Israel, Unit 669 is the unit built for exactly this kind of mission. Founded in 1974 after the Yom Kippur War to bring downed pilots home, they have spent the last fifty years training for moments like these, airborne within 15 minutes, anywhere the call comes from.

The Times of Israel just published a rare feature on the unit. We are proud to see their story finally being told.

04/28/2026

🎙️ NEW EPISODE OUT NOW

In this episode of PodCats 6:6:9, Amy Lebovitz shares her perspective on building resilience, leading with purpose, and standing behind Unit 669.

From supply chains and manufacturing to leadership and service, this conversation explores what it means to create strong systems, support meaningful missions, and show up where it matters most.

Listen now: https://ow.ly/OZxn50YR8QN

04/22/2026

Yesterday, we remembered. Today, we celebrate.

Yom HaAtzmaut carries the weight of everything that came before it. It is joy, pride, and gratitude held together in one national moment. From mourning to independence, from memory to hope, Israel carries both.

For AFU669, independence is not abstract. It lives in the people who protect life, answer the call, and carry the responsibility of this country forward.

We stand with Israel today and always.

04/20/2026

Today, on Yom HaZikaron, Israel remembers its fallen soldiers and the victims of terror. The day is observed immediately before Yom HaAtzmaut, reflecting a central truth in Israeli life: independence carries a cost, and remembrance is inseparable from it.

For AFU669, this day is deeply personal. We honor those who served, those who fell, and the families who carry their memory forward. In a community built around rescue, service, and protecting life, Yom HaZikaron is a time to stand still, remember, and hold their sacrifice with the dignity it deserves.

May their memories be a blessing. 🕯️

04/17/2026

🎙️ NEW EPISODE OUT NOW

Our guest today, O., serves as a combat operator in Team 48 of Unit 669 and is a member of Kibbutz Alumim, near the Gaza border.

On October 7, 2023, he found himself defending his community when terrorists infiltrated the kibbutz. Alongside the kibbutz on-call team, he helped protect dozens of families under attack.

In this episode, O. shares his personal story from that morning. The moments of fear and courage, the loss, and the strength that came from standing together as a community.

Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0N4zMv5KuEwnwPil4BY8mD?si=oibPpjYzTQKOjacUwh9gvw

04/15/2026

A little support can change a life.

After years of service, the transition to civilian life is not always simple. AFU669’s Transitioning Assistance Workshop helps veterans take the next step with guidance, support, and real opportunity.

Ido’s words are a reminder that investing in those who served can shape everything that comes next.

Address

New York, NY
10009

Website

http://www.afu669.org/

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