Acts of Heroism
Arab Worker Risks Life in Blaze, Saves Dozens of Jerusalem Schoolgirls
Imad Khirbawi honored by Interior Ministry after breaking into burning building to rescue trapped teens in ultra-Orthodox neighborhood
In a rare and moving ceremony at the Ministry of Interior on Thursday morning, Imad Khirbawi, a resident of the Mount of Olives, received official recognition for an act of exceptional bravery that saved the lives of dozens of girls trapped in a burning building in Jerusalem.
Khirbawi, a Palestinian construction worker, was on site in the Shaarei Chesed neighborhood when he noticed smoke pouring from the school building. Without hesitation, he ran inside, opened doors, called for the girls to follow him, and led them through thick smoke to safety.
His quick thinking and fearless action were credited with saving numerous lives and earned praise across all sectors of Israeli society.
At the ceremony, Minister of Interior Moshe Arbel awarded Khirbawi a certificate of appreciation and an Israeli identity card, calling him “a shining example of humanity.”
“Imad, through your courageous and deeply human act, you strengthened our faith in the goodness of people and the power of shared responsibility,” Arbel said. “Your actions are a beacon of hope and a model of true heroism. Be strong and courageous.”
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion and Population and Immigration Authority Director General Chaim Yifrach also attended the event.
Khirbawi’s story has since gone viral, hailed by many as a rare moment of unity and shared values in a city often divided.
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