In times of conflict, preparedness can be lifesaving. As the current war between Iran and Israel intensifies, thousands of civilians are relying on Israel’s comprehensive network of bomb shelters for safety. For Masa Israel Journey Fellows, tourists, locals, and concerned family members abroad, understanding how to locate bomb shelters—and what to expect when using them—is essential.
At Masa, the safety and well-being of our Fellows is our top priority. We operate under the direct guidance of the IDF Home Front Command and the Jewish Agency for Israel, ensuring that every program is aligned with national security protocols. Our teams on the ground are trained to respond swiftly to changing conditions, and all accommodations and learning environments are equipped with designated shelters. In addition to physical safety, we also provide emotional and mental health support, recognizing the importance of comprehensive care during challenging times.
For more information, please visit our official Masa Safety & Security page.
This guide offers a thorough overview of the types of shelters available, how to locate the closest one near you, the differences between mamad and miklat shelters, and the historical context behind Israel’s national shelter infrastructure. It also includes practical tips, mobile apps that support real-time alerts, and insights into how communities across the country are adapting to the challenges of the moment.
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Understanding the Terms: Mamad vs. Miklat – What’s the Difference?
In Israel, two main types of protective spaces are used during missile alerts: mamad and miklat.
- Mamad (ממ”ד): Short for Merkhav Mugan Dirati (“Residential Protected Space”), a mamad is a reinforced safe room built into every apartment or home constructed since 1992. It is designed to withstand significant blast pressure, with steel-reinforced walls, airtight doors and windows, and independent ventilation.
- Miklat (מקלט): A communal or public bomb shelter. Miklatim can be located within residential buildings (shared by all tenants) or in public spaces such as parks, community centers, and underground car parks. These shelters are maintained by municipalities or local authorities and open to the public during emergencies.
Both shelter types are coordinated under the guidance of Israel’s Home Front Command (Pikud Ha’Oref), which issues region-specific safety instructions and manages shelter protocols throughout the country.
A Historical Overview of Bomb Shelters in Israel
The need for bomb shelters in Israel has evolved alongside the nation’s security challenges.
- 1948–1967: In Israel’s early years, shelters were primarily above-ground or in the basements of new buildings, offering basic concrete protection during regional hostilities.
- 1970s–1980s: After the Yom Kippur War and intermittent cross-border attacks, building codes began to prioritize shared underground shelters in residential buildings. However, these were often inaccessible during surprise attacks.
- 1991 Gulf War: Iraq’s missile attacks on Israeli cities during the Gulf War exposed significant gaps in civilian protection. As a result, the Protected Space Law was enacted in 1992, requiring that every new home include a built-in mamad. This reform transformed civil defense from a communal responsibility into a personal one, ensuring that every individual had shelter within seconds of an alert.
- 2000s–Today: In recent years, technological advancements have been incorporated into shelter design, including improved air filtration, overpressure systems, and communication capabilities. Many older miklatim have also been renovated to provide a more stable and comfortable environment during extended emergencies.
The Role of the Mamad in Everyday Israeli Life
Today, most Israelis and Masa Fellows living in newer residences rely on the mamad as their primary shelter. It typically serves a dual purpose—as a bedroom, home office, or storage space during calm periods—and converts into a secure area when an alert is issued.
While seemingly ordinary, the mamad is built with life-saving features:
- Reinforced concrete walls (typically 30 cm thick)
- Steel door and window with airtight seals
- Independent ventilation system
- Minimal interior furnishings to avoid injury during impact
Before an emergency, it is advisable to test the sealing mechanisms and ensure the room is clear of clutter. Fellows are encouraged to prepare the space in advance, especially during periods of heightened tension.
The Miklat: A Community-Based Shelter Option
Miklatim remain a vital part of Israel’s urban and rural safety infrastructure. In apartment complexes built before 1992 or in densely populated public areas, they offer a centralized shelter solution.
Municipalities are responsible for maintaining these shelters and activating them during emergencies. Many miklatim have been improved over the years to include:
- Basic sanitation facilities
- Air filtration systems
- Emergency lighting
- Wi-Fi access
- Supplies such as water, chairs, and first aid kits
In neighborhoods like Sderot, Netivot, and Ashkelon—where missile warnings may allow only 15 seconds to seek cover—miklatim are strategically placed to be accessible within a short walking distance.
Some miklatim have even been adapted into cultural or educational spaces during peacetime. For example, Jerusalem’s Art Shelter Gallery doubles as an exhibition space, blending creativity with civil preparedness.
How to Find “Bomb Shelters Near Me” in Real Time
With varying warning times based on location, it’s crucial to know where to go immediately when the sirens sound. Here are the most effective ways to locate the nearest bomb shelter:
1. Use Google Maps or Apple Maps
Search terms like “מקלט בתל אביב” (miklat Tel Aviv) or simply “bomb shelters near me” will often yield public shelter locations on the map. You can also search using your exact address to identify nearby options.
2. Download the Pikud Ha’Oref App
The official Home Front Command app is available for both Android and iOS. It offers:
- Real-time missile alert notifications
- Shelter locator tools based on GPS
- Safety instructions tailored to your location
The app supports multiple languages and is one of the most trusted tools used by residents and visitors alike.
3. Safeway App – A New Resource
Another emerging resource is Safeway, a GPS-based app that helps users identify the nearest bomb shelter quickly. It has become a popular alternative during the current escalation and is especially useful for travelers or those unfamiliar with their surroundings.
4. Check Your Municipality Website
Many cities—such as Tel Aviv-Yafo, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Be’er Sheva—publish updated maps of shelter locations. Some offer mobile-friendly versions, while others provide downloadable PDFs.
5. Look for Street Signage
Shelters are often marked with yellow-and-green signs or arrows pointing toward miklat entrances. In apartment buildings, check stairwells, parking levels, or posted floor plans for the nearest shared shelter.
Notable Public Bomb Shelters in Israel
While all bomb shelters serve the same fundamental purpose—safety—some are particularly well-equipped or have gained recognition for their design and community use.
- Tel Aviv Central Bus Station Shelter: Reopened in 2025, this multi-level underground shelter can accommodate thousands. It includes sanitation facilities, emergency lighting, and is actively maintained during escalations.
- Dizengoff Center Underground Shelter (Tel Aviv): Known for its accessibility and readiness, this shelter is regularly stocked by volunteers and functions as a secure space for residents and shoppers during sirens.
- Jerusalem Art Shelter Gallery: Located in a residential neighborhood, this shelter combines artistic exhibitions with civil defense utility, offering emotional calm alongside physical protection.
- Sderot Bomb Shelter Museum: This site doubles as an educational museum that simulates real-life missile scenarios, helping visitors understand the importance of preparedness and the resilience of border communities.
What to Bring Into a Shelter: Emergency Kit Essentials
Whether heading to a mamad or miklat, it’s wise to prepare a simple “go-bag” in advance. Recommended items include:
- Government-issued ID or passport
- Mobile phone and portable charger
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Refillable water bottle
- Energy bars or non-perishable snacks
- Small first-aid kit and personal medications
- Tissues and hygiene supplies
- Notebook and pen
- A stool or beach chair to sit on
- For families with children: books, toys, or activities
Packing these items ahead of time ensures a more comfortable and calm experience, especially during longer shelter stays.
If You Can’t Reach a Shelter in Time
In some cases, reaching a designated shelter within the alert window may not be possible. The Home Front Command advises the following:
- Choose an interior room with minimal windows.
- Stay close to structural walls—ideally in a stairwell or hallway.
- Avoid using elevators during alerts.
- Remain inside and wait for the official “all clear” via the Pikud Ha’Oref app or municipal channels.
Building managers should also inform tenants of any alternative spaces, such as garages or stairwells, that may offer temporary protection.
Safety Protocols for Masa Fellows
Masa Israel Journey places the highest priority on the safety and well-being of its Fellows. All programs operate under the direct guidance of the IDF Home Front Command and the Jewish Agency for Israel. During periods of conflict, Masa implements additional safety protocols:
- Each living space and program facility must designate a primary shelter and communicate its location clearly to participants.
- Security briefings are provided to new Fellows, including shelter access drills.
- Masa’s staff are in constant communication with program partners and security authorities.
- Emergency contact numbers are distributed to all Fellows, and dedicated hotlines are monitored 24/7.
In addition, mental health support is available to all fellows, and program organizers are trained to respond to anxiety and trauma with sensitivity and professionalism.
Looking Ahead: Innovation and Civil Preparedness
As threats evolve, so too does Israel’s approach to civil defense. Recent innovations in shelter design include:
- Lighter, stronger materials for doors and window seals
- Smart filtration systems that respond automatically to air quality changes
- Mobile apps that alert users to nearby shelter capacity in real time
- Community emergency WhatsApp groups to support elderly or vulnerable residents
These advancements reflect a national commitment not only to survival but to resilience—ensuring that daily life can continue even in the face of adversity.
A Recap on How to Find a Bomb Shelter Near You in Israel
The question of “where are the nearest bomb shelters in Israel?” is no longer theoretical—it’s essential knowledge for every resident, visitor, and Masa Fellow. Whether you’re inside a modern apartment with a mamad or walking the streets of a busy city, there are proven systems in place to guide and protect you.
By downloading trusted apps like Pikud Ha’Oref and Safeway, familiarizing yourself with shelter locations, and remaining calm and informed, you are taking vital steps toward your safety and the safety of those around you.
Masa Israel Journey remains fully committed to the physical and emotional well-being of its Fellows during this time. Our programs are operating with enhanced precautions, and our network of staff, educators, and partners is here to support every participant. Together, we continue to live, learn, and grow in Israel—even during its most challenging moments.
