Essential Emergency Numbers in Israel for English Speakers

Emergency Services Guide for Tourists in Israel

Essential Emergency Numbers

1. Police: 100
2. Ambulance (Magen David Adom): 101
3. Fire Department: 102
4. Electric Company: 103
5. Home Front Command: 104
6. Municipal Hotline: 106

When Calling Emergency Services

Step 1: Dial the Appropriate Number

Choose the correct number from the list above based on your emergency.

Step 2: Prepare for the Call

The operator may ask you the following questions. Be ready to answer in English or basic Hebrew:

1. "What is the emergency?" / "מה מצב החירום?" (Ma matzav ha-cherum?)
   • Respond clearly: "Medical emergency," "Fire," "Crime in progress," etc.
   • If it's a terror-related emergency, you can say "Terror" – it sounds the same in Hebrew and English and will be immediately understood.
2. "Where are you located?" / "איפה אתה נמצא?" (Eifo ata nimtza?)
   • Provide your location (see below for how to describe your location)
3. "Are you safe right now?" / "האם אתה בטוח כרגע?" (Ha'im ata batuach kargah?)
   • Answer "Yes" (Ken) or "No" (Lo)
4. "Is anyone injured?" / "האם מישהו נפגע?" (Ha'im mishehu nifga?)
   • Respond with "Yes" (Ken) or "No" (Lo), and if yes, briefly describe the injuries
5. "Can you describe what you see?" / "האם אתה יכול לתאר מה אתה רואה?" (Ha'im ata yachol leta'er ma ata ro'eh?)
   • Briefly describe the scene

Step 3: Describing Your Location

This is crucial. Here's how to provide your location effectively:

1. If you know the address:
   • Say: "I'm at [street name] [number], in [city name]"
   • Hebrew: "אני ב[שם הרחוב] [מספר], ב[שם העיר]"
   • Pronunciation: "Ani be-[shem ha-rechov] [mispar], be-[shem ha-ir]"
   • Example: "I'm at Herzl Street 123, in Tel Aviv" / "אני ברחוב הרצל 123, בתל אביב"
2. If you're near a landmark:
   • Say: "I'm near [landmark name], in [city name]"
   • Hebrew: "אני ליד [שם המקום], ב[שם העיר]"
   • Pronunciation: "Ani le-yad [shem ha-makom], be-[shem ha-ir]"
   • Example: "I'm near the Western Wall, in Jerusalem" / "אני ליד הכותל המערבי, בירושלים"
3. If you're in a public place:
   • Describe the place and ask someone nearby for the name or address
4. If you're unsure:
   • Use your smartphone's GPS to find your location
   • Describe what you see around you (buildings, street signs, etc.)

Step 4: Follow Instructions

Listen carefully to the operator's instructions and follow them precisely.

Important Hebrew Phrases

• "Help!" – "עזרה!" (Ezra!)
• "I need help" – "אני צריך עזרה" (Ani tzarich ezra) [male] / "אני צריכה עזרה" (Ani tzricha ezra) [female]
• "I don't speak Hebrew" – "אני לא מדבר עברית" (Ani lo medaber Ivrit) [male] / "אני לא מדברת עברית" (Ani lo medaberet Ivrit) [female]
• "Do you speak English?" – "אתה מדבר אנגלית?" (Ata medaber Anglit?) [to a man] / "את מדברת אנגלית?" (At medaberet Anglit?) [to a woman]
• "Terror" – "טרור" (The word is pronounced the same in Hebrew and English)

Tips for Tourists

1. Save these emergency numbers in your phone before your trip.
2. Learn to recognize basic Hebrew numbers and letters for reading street signs.
3. Always know the name of your hotel or apartment and the street it's on.
4. If possible, use a phone with GPS enabled to help locate you.
5. Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up.
6. If you're in a dangerous situation, say "SOS" – it's universally recognized.
7. Remember, the word "Terror" is understood in both English and Hebrew. Use it if necessary to quickly communicate the nature of the emergency.

Remember, Israeli emergency services are equipped to handle calls in various languages, including English. Don't hesitate to call if you're in an emergency situation, even if you don't speak Hebrew. Your safety is their priority.