and coalition! Think twice!

We still have our gas masks. I do not remember reading or having received a notice or hearing about their being collected.

I've been waiting 4ever

Are you contemplating spending some time in Israel so you begin to understand what's really going on? I think it would be a useful exercise for you.

This is rediculous. Most people returned their masks years ago with a promise they would be returned within 6 months. Years later they are only slowly starting to return them and its going to take 5 years to complete. I suggest unless the things are coming to your area soon and you still have your mask and want it fit for use then buy a new filter from an army supply store for about 50-100 shekel and keep the thing in its sealed package. When they do eventually get around to replacing the mask trade the old mask with old filter that came with it originally so you don't have to pay. Then just keep the filter you bought as a spare. Then you have new mask & filter from the army and the one you bought as a spare just don't open it.

I am not certain but I think that if a war breaks out tourists might be able to buy one at the emergency stations they will probably set up mainly for Israelis who do not yet have a new mask but turned in their original and haven't got a new one yet. Even if they don't have enough new ones in an emergency they can give out the old ones with a new filter and atropine so I imagine there would be supplied for at least some tourists.

Israelis to get new gas masks Preparing for non-conventional attacks: Residents east of Tel Aviv will be first to receive new gas masks, starting Sunday; Army officials say distribution unrelated to current security threats or intelligence assessments - Military officials stressed that the distribution of gas masks is not linked to intelligence or operational assessments ahead of a possible clash on the northern border. Army sources also made clear that the large-scale exercise held in the north last week is unrelated to the distribution of the masks. -ARE THEY INTENDED FOR IMAGINATIONS ONLY ???. Arn.

One poster asks, What are they intended for? Knowing the current feckless leadership..it is to raise moral, in light of Iran's recent moves to enrich uranium. Every week, I read about the protests at the fence. It seems the IDF have no effective remedy. Like bacteria, they just come back, stronger (with Fayyad). Here in Calif. it's 25 to life if 3 felonies. A felony is throwing a stone, brick, Molotov Cocktail, or hitting an LAPD officer or Sheriff. In Israel, it's rubber bullets..foregiveness and "deals" with Hamas. Oh Israel, always on the defense..even though you have 400 nukes and now drones (can reach Iran's Tehran with missiles). My adivice, act ASAP. Forget the masks..

The current masks were distributed in 1997, and were manufactured 14 to 20 years ago. I wonder if we have equipment and rations for our soldiers?

There is a good chance of war this summer with Iran , Hezbollah and even Syria. Syria posesses chemical weapons. We need the gas masks now and not in 5 years!

gas mask back. i never even recieved one when i made aliyah. they told me their records showed i did and that I wouldnt get a new one when the time comes. so now I have to pay for something to keep me alive because of some idiot behind a desk?? anyone know with whom i need to speak to to fix this problem?

Ari, I'm in a similar situation. The person you need to speak to has just left the office, the person who could help you is on holiday and the others just won't believe you. If you want a mask you'll end up paying. my advise would be to not get sucked into the proganda. good luck.

I suggest you find your local Jewish Agency office and they will know the best people to put you in touch with. You might also ask at your local Misrad Hapanim who are the best people to talk to.