A Dip into Fire: Training Israel’s Future Firefighters

Students in the Firefighting and Rescue track at WIZO Nachlat Yehuda Youth Village may only be in 11th grade, but they are already making a tangible impact. They actively assist firefighters in the field, organize emergency equipment, and participate in operational deployments to save lives and property—truly the next generation of Israel’s emergency responders.

Starting this school year, the track has been officially recognized by the Ministry of Education and offers a five-unit matriculation certificate. The program operates in collaboration with the Fire and Rescue Authority, the Home Front Command, and Magen David Adom. Students have the opportunity to expand their studies to ten units through final projects in these fields. Additionally, some students study in parallel at Ramat Gan Academic College in Disaster and Crisis Management, earning points toward a bachelor’s degree.

Recently, students returned from a week-long training camp in Würzburg, Germany, where they engaged in advanced team exercises using simulators, rescue and fire drills, flood and accident response, and high-rise crane operations. They also visited local fire stations, gaining firsthand knowledge of German firefighting methods and best practices. All of this is part of their preparation for 12th grade studies, made possible thanks to the collaboration established by the Youth Aliyah representative in Germany.

The program itself is carried out in collaboration with many partners: WIZO, the Ministry of Education – the Administration for Settlement Education, the Ministry of National Security – the Community Safety Division, the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, and the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority.

“The students wear full uniforms and safety equipment during training and participate in educational and team-building activities,” says Chief Fire Officer Oren Tzur, commander of the Firefighting and Rescue track. “This instills a sense of responsibility and unit pride, preparing them for military service and future roles in emergency response.” According to Tzur, the track aims to create a reserve force for national disaster events and provide students with professional opportunities in emergency services, both during military service and civilian life.

During Israel’s recent wave of wildfires, students served as fire lookouts and were deployed to assist firefighting teams in extinguishing flames and saving lives. They joined operational deployments, helped restore the operational readiness of vehicles, and participated in wildfire preparedness drills. This summer, they took part in training organized by the Rishon LeZion regional fire station, learning field and forest firefighting techniques, open-area fire safety, and firefighter security. On Lag BaOmer, students were part of the operational deployment at the station, helping extinguish unattended or out-of-control bonfires.

Amit Yitzhaki, an 11th-grade student who volunteers as a fire lookout and with Magen David Adom, says: “Being part of the Firefighting and Rescue track isn’t just studies—it’s a way of life. When I see how we can help people in their most difficult moments, I realize this is exactly what I want to do in life.”

Elea Raz Moskowitz, another 11th-grade student and volunteer fire lookout, adds: “When I tell new students about the track, I see their excitement at the chance to save lives and contribute to society. That’s exactly why I chose to study here.”

Tzachi Tzur-Tal, director of WIZO Nachlat Yehuda Youth Village, emphasizes: “At the youth village, we focus on excellence and leadership, combined with values-based education, community service, and preparation for adult life. This track empowers students to learn in a hands-on, meaningful way while developing leadership and social skills.”