Background:

Keith Isaacson is a South African immigrant who, along with his family, made Aliyah in February 1975 and settled in Moshav Sde Nitzan—located in Israel’s southern Eshkol region, near the Gaza border. He and his brother Brett grew up on a farm in Sde Nitzan and both served as soldiers and reservists in the IDF’s Givati Brigade.

Role on October 7, 2023:

Keith serves as the Chief of Security (IDF Lieutenant Colonel) for the Eshkol region, overseeing protection of approximately 32 communities, including 16 kibbutzim that were attacked on that devastating day.

That morning, after hearing about the attacks unfolding, Keith commandeered an armored, bulletproof vehicle—donated to the region—and narrowly escaped an ambush by the assailants.

Once safe, he took operational command from the Eshkol municipal offices and remained there for three continuous days, coordinating emergency response and defense efforts with the IDF, Home Front Command, and law enforcement.

During this time, the region endured unimaginable losses: over 215 people were killed, 120 were taken hostage, 90 were injured, and 13,000 residents were evacuated.