"Fire in the Eyes": A new preparatory program to increase the number of female firefighters

The Fire and Rescue Authority has launched the "Fire in the Eyes" pre-enlistment preparatory program, aimed at recruiting and training more female firefighters. Currently, there are only 28 women serving in the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority, out of a total force of approximately 2300 firefighters.

Last year, 98 women applied for the recruitment tender, but only 41 attended the initial test, and only two reached the final selection stage. Ultimately, only one woman was accepted into the rigorous training course.

Reshef Yamit Aharon, a training officer at the National Fire and Rescue Academy, who will command the program and was the first female firefighter to join the system in 2004, states: "Women often suffer from a lack of self-confidence, thinking that because it is a physically demanding job, they won't be able to handle it."

Fire and Rescue Commissioner, Rav-Tafsar Eyal Caspi, who views the integration of women into operational units as a strategic priority, ordered the establishment of the program following extensive work by a dedicated committee.

"We did not lower the threshold requirements"

An analysis of previous recruitment cycles highlighted that many candidates drop out due to concerns about physical fitness or balancing the job with motherhood.

"We did not lower the threshold requirements, but built a program to prepare them mentally and physically for the selection process. Our goal is to open doors for as many women as possible, promoting equality while maintaining professional and operational standards," Aharon explains.

Reflecting on her own career, which began 22 years ago, Aharon recalls the skepticism she faced. "At the time, they didn't believe I would succeed. They doubted I could lift heavy equipment or rescue trapped people. Today is a different time. Women must believe in their skills and abilities. There are active female firefighters who are also mothers. Nothing stands before the will, and women can do everything," she says.

The annual recruitment tender opens this March. The preparatory program, which is free and open for registration on the fire department's website, will begin next month and run for nine weeks, with weekly meetings on Sundays. The sessions will be led by female firefighters who understand the challenges of working in such a masculine environment.