IAF Takes Troubled Teens on 'Wings'

Israel's Air Force is using aircraft maintenance and gliding to help troubled teens at the Hatzerim Air Base.

By Chana Ya'ar

12/6/2011

Air Force ceremony

Israel news photo: Flash 90

Israel's Air Force is using aircraft maintenance and gliding to help troubled teens at the Hatzerim Air Base.

"The 'Wings' project is being used to instill values, knowledge and motivation to serve in the military while giving teens a way of life and making them feel welcome," explained Lt. Viam Kara, a flight inspector at the base.

Kara said in a report published on the IDF website that for the past year and a half, the Hatzerim Air Base has been stopping its routine activity to allow a group of teens from troubled backgrounds and broken homes to fly gliders every Wednesday.

"Giving, contributing and accepting are commonplace values at our base," Kara said. "The project is beneficial for both the troubled teens and for the soldiers at the base."

Since 1979 the IDF has been providing teens with difficult backgrounds with various opportunities to turn their lives around through meaningful service with Israel's military.

IDF service is often the last chance for many teens in Israel to pursue higher education and a more successful future.

Through the 'Wings' project, numerous soldiers have been given the chance to complete their education, participate in a meaningful army service, become active in their communities and to contribute to Israeli society, Kara noted.

(c) Israel National News