French Immigrant Surprises All in Israel as New Firefighter
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Shana Kiner, an 18-year-old who moved to Israel alone from France, has become a firefighter after completing intensive national service training. She overcame language barriers and received strong support from her instructors, with her father making a surprise appearance at her graduation. Kiner is one of 130 international volunteers in a growing program by the Association for National Service and Volunteering.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shana Kiner, 18, moved from France to Israel alone and became a firefighter.
- She completed intensive training and overcame language barriers with instructor support.
- Her father made a surprise appearance at her emotional graduation ceremony.
- Kiner is part of a growing program with 130 international volunteers this year.
- The Association for National Service and Volunteering supports volunteers from around the world.
Shana Kiner, an 18-year-old who moved to Israel alone from France a year ago, has completed her national service training and officially joined the Herzliya fire station as a firefighter. Her journey involved intensive training and overcoming language barriers, a challenge she noted was difficult but also acknowledged was tough for Israeli trainees.
Kiner received significant support from her commanders and instructors throughout the demanding course. The culmination of her training was marked by an emotional graduation ceremony where her father, who traveled from France, made a surprise appearance to witness her receive her firefighter's pin.
Kiner is part of a larger program run by the Association for National Service and Volunteering, which is integrating approximately 130 young women from around the world into national service in Israel this year, a doubling from the previous year. These volunteers come from countries including the United States, Russia, England, Mexico, and South Africa, serving in diverse fields such as hospitals, educational institutions, agriculture, and community volunteer groups.
The association provides comprehensive support to these volunteers, including personal coordinators, emotional and social guidance, and a welcoming community. Kiner currently resides in Ra'anana in a service apartment with other volunteers, also from France. Concurrently, the association continues its tradition of sending Israeli volunteers to Jewish communities worldwide.