In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, an Israeli tech entrepreneur, Yuval Keshtcher, has stepped forward to create the “Swords of Steel” online database, which is proving to be a critical resource for those seeking information about missing persons since the conflict began.
The situation following the outbreak of hostilities was marked by unprecedented chaos, with hundreds of Hamas terrorists infiltrating Israeli kibbutzim and cities, leading to the tragic murder of more than 800 people, including civilians. Reports of abductions into Gaza, including women, children, the elderly, and entire families, added to the harrowing nature of these events.
Who is Yuval Keshtcher?
Keshtcher, an entrepreneur known for founding various companies, including the UX Writing Hub, decided to put his skills and expertise to use. He was among many tech professionals who recognized the urgent need to contribute to the crisis. In collaboration with like-minded individuals with tech backgrounds, he initiated “Swords of Steel.”
This online platform, named after the Hebrew term for the current war, swiftly became a hub for inquiries regarding missing persons and the search for loved ones. Keshtcher, along with fellow entrepreneur Stav Charkham, worked tirelessly to build the website within hours of the war’s outbreak.
The platform, which went live on Saturday evening, garnered immense traffic and crashed by Sunday morning due to its popularity, especially after a feature on Geektime. There are now close to 3,000 inquiries on the platform, though Keshtcher acknowledges that multiple inquiries concern the same missing persons, necessitating data consolidation.
The team behind “Swords of Steel” is collaborating with Zaka, a voluntary community emergency response organization, to contribute data for identifying bodies and update their platform. They have also shared their platform with the military to enhance data accessibility.
Amid the anxiety and uncertainty that the conflict has brought, Keshtcher finds solace in his ability to help. He envisions utilizing the database to offer volunteering opportunities and support to bereaved families and civilians in the future. This initiative underscores the resilience and unity of Israelis during this challenging period, as people from all walks of life come together to support one another.
