Givatayim Subsidizes Defibrillator Installation in Residential Buildings to Save Lives

The city of Givatayim has joined other municipalities in Israel by subsidizing the installation of defibrillators in residential buildings. Eligible building committees in Givatayim will pay only 800 shekels for a package that includes a defibrillator device, storage cabinet, installation, signage, and resident training. This local subsidy of 200 shekels supplements a national grant program run by the Housing Culture Association and Magen David Adom (MDA), which covers the remaining costs. The initiative aims to increase the availability of defibrillators near residents to reduce response time in cardiac arrest emergencies.

The defibrillator device, approved by the Ministry of Health, is suitable for use on adults and children without needing separate electrodes. MDA will provide a 30 to 60-minute training session for residents within 30 days of installation, covering device use, maintenance, and safety. The program is part of a broader national effort led by the Housing Culture Association, which limits the number of subsidized devices based on budget and application criteria.

Buildings not currently members of the Housing Culture Association can also apply, provided they commit to joining for at least two years and do not already have a defibrillator installed. Applications are evaluated based on building size and submission time, with the deadline set for August 23, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Late applications will not be considered.

Givatayim Mayor Ran Konik emphasized the critical importance of quick access to defibrillators in saving lives during cardiac arrests and praised the city’s additional subsidy to encourage wider participation. Reuven Zadok, CEO of the Housing Culture Association, highlighted the significance of making life-saving devices accessible and welcomed the partnership with Givatayim to expand the program.