The first Bedouin woman in a rescue unit
They go through exhausting training and risk their lives in order to save stranded hikers—only the toughest make it. Rana’a Gaboa made history when she became the first Bedouin woman to volunteer in the police rescue unit.
The Arad Rescue Team unit is in charge of the Judean Desert region. Every year they are involved in about 70 rescue operations, many of which are operations to rescue hikers who got trapped in dangerous coves due to weather conditions. It’s a difficult job that requires fitness, resourcefulness and an ability to work under pressure.
When Gaboa isn’t busy volunteering, she works as a manager in the youth department in her regional council of al-Kasom.
Gaboa believes that nothing stands in the way of women to live their dreams and aspirations—including women from her traditional society. “I’ve decided to volunteer because I’ve always wanted to help people, save lives. I want to support my community, my country, my sector.”
“After I was offered to join the team I said ‘why not?’ and went through an interview, then training, abseiling practice, helicopter drills—and I got in.,” she continued.
Some people in the Bedouin sector were shocked to hear of Gaboa's new position, but she doesn’t let it stop her. “My family supports me, that’s the most important thing. My father backs me up, he said he was proud of me. For him, saving lives is the most important value. The unit also supports me greatly, and I might be the first Bedouin woman there but certainly not the first Bedouin.”
Gaboa hopes that other woman will follow in her footsteps: “I want women in my sector to develop themselves. Any woman can take responsibility and develop herself. We have a lot of accidents in the Bedouin sector and a lot of rescues. We need people to help and support the community, and I say to woman: You can do it”.
Gaboa continues: “The world has changed, this is 2018 and I believe a woman can do anything a man can do and be just as good. Women have strength, brains, ability—why don't they volunteer then?”
The Head of the Israel Police Southern District said: “I see talented women taking up operational positions in special units as a natural development. I’m certain this is only the beginning, and that women will take such positions in the Southern Police District and across Israel.”
