Arab Who Saved Dozens of Seminary Girls from Jerusalem Fire Granted Israeli Citizenship

Imad Hirbawi, a 35-year-old Arab construction worker from East Jerusalem, has been granted Israeli citizenship in recognition of his heroic actions during a devastating dormitory fire at the Ohr Chaya seminary in Jerusalem in December 2024. The Interior Ministry officially presented Hirbawi with citizenship earlier this week, following months of public pressure and media attention.

The fire broke out unexpectedly in the early morning hours while Hirbawi was working on renovations in the upper floors of the building. He had just arrived for his construction job when he heard an explosion and instinctively rushed to investigate. “I heard an explosion,” Hirbawi told Yisrael Hayom. “I understood something happened. I went down to the lower floors and saw the building on fire. I ran down to help in any way I could. The fire was in the hallway and not in the rooms themselves. I opened the doors, I shouted ‘Get out, there’s a fire.’”

Thanks to his quick response, dozens of girls, mostly American students, were able to escape. “I think I saw about 40 girls go down,” he recalled. “At first I was able to see them and enter the rooms, but minutes later, I couldn’t see anything because of the smoke, which I also inhaled and made me feel sick.”

Police officers, including members of the YASAM special forces and a volunteer, soon arrived at the scene and worked with equal bravery; cutting bars, opening escape routes, and lowering the trapped girls through windows with ladders. Four officers required medical attention due to smoke inhalation.

Hirbawi remained in the smoke-filled building for over half an hour. He was treated on-site for smoke inhalation and later developed pneumonia, along with severe back and shoulder pain from lifting girls to safety. However, his recovery was hindered by bureaucratic obstacles. Due to his complex legal status, living in East Jerusalem under the “family reunification” law without full citizenship, he was denied continued treatment because of an outstanding medical debt and lack of health insurance through Meuchedet.

Public outcry grew as news of his plight spread, eventually prompting government action. With his newly acquired Israeli citizenship, Hirbawi is now entitled to full healthcare and social benefits.

What began as a selfless act of heroism has culminated in a long-overdue recognition. Hirbawi's bravery saved lives. Now, as an Israeli citizen, he begins a new chapter, with the rights and respect he has truly earned.