Israeli Educators Balance Military Reserve Duty with Teaching Roles
As the new school year begins in Israel, several educators are simultaneously stepping into their roles as teachers and continuing their military reserve service, highlighting a dual commitment to national security and education. Yiska Greenbaum, from the Golan Heights, will start her new position as a teacher and pedagogical coordinator at a high school in Kiryat Shmona, while also serving as a staff officer in the 228th Brigade. This dual role is deeply personal for Greenbaum, as her younger brother, Yishai, was killed in action in Lebanon two years ago while serving in the same brigade. She sees her service as a continuation of his legacy, stating, "Like Yishai, I want to be where I am needed and say 'Here I am.'" Greenbaum, who is religious and did not initially enlist, felt compelled to join the reserves after October 7th, working in casualty intelligence for the Northern front.
Greenbaum's commitment extends to her civilian work, where she will be teaching at-risk youth in Kiryat Shmona, a city affected by conflict. She explained her choice of workplace, "I am looking for challenge and meaning in a place where I can give. This involves very complex youth in a city that needs a lot of support, a lot of order, and to bring data and results." She also emphasized the need for greater attention to the needs of children whose parents are serving in the reserves.
Other educators are also navigating this balance. Barak Shapira, a teacher and geography instructor from Kibbutz Amir, will return to his teaching duties while also serving as the kibbutz's security officer and head of its emergency team. He noted the community's resilience and sense of security despite ongoing tensions. Similarly, Drori Wasserman, deputy security officer and a member of the kibbutz's alert squad, will resume his role as a middle school principal and physical education teacher. He described the current period as challenging for teaching but stressed the importance of routine for students' recovery.
Eliab Samuel, principal of a Hesder Yeshiva in Kiryat Shmona, also serves as an officer in a regional defense battalion. He expressed pride in the influx of new families to the city, indicating a growing sense of security. "This is the first year that no parent has asked me about the security situation," he remarked. The article also features anonymous educators, identified as Lt. Col. N and Col. A, who manage rescue operations and teach history, and head schools and teach civics respectively. They spoke about the difficulty of balancing operational duties with educational responsibilities, acknowledging that civilian matters can sometimes feel diminished amidst military action. They also highlighted the resilience of Israeli youth and the unique perspective military experience brings to school management.
