Volume 8, Issue 5 / Nissan 5765 / May 2005
Dan Bus Drivers Course
"It's very simple," explained Yossi Ziskind, a man who has been behind the wheel for 35 years including his fifteen years as the Dan Bus Company's drivers course director. "In the end, you get an honorable and well-paying job right away."
"That's exactly the point! I am learning a vocation that is practical, steady, respectable and immediate," added Reuven, a married, 32-year old father of three who emigrated from Ethiopia in 1992 and who independently decided to take the course just a couple of months ago. "I just wish that I had known about the Jewish Agency's involvement before I took a loan to pay for the course," lamented Reuven.
Indeed, the Jewish Agency has funded driving lessons for nearly 60 Dan bus drivers who have made aliyah from Ethiopia and the Caucasus. The idea originated in 2000 when the Jewish Agency received seed-money for a course designed for young, energetic and motivated immigrants from Ethiopia who were unemployed. The Dan Bus Company driving school, with branches in Holon and Ashdod, was more than willing to become part of this project. Potential drivers, from Ramla, Rechovot, Kfar Saba, Hadera, Gedera and Ashdod, were identified and recruited for the course.
"The course has two parts. The 156-hour theoretical portion of the course, which takes about three months, is taught as a group. The practical driving portion of the course is taught, essentially, on an individual basis," clarified Yossi. Shimon, a teacher in the course for 13 years adds, "Each student comes to us with a different background and skill level. Many even lack the essential gross and fine motor control skills and coordination but, we - and they - stick with it until they learn and become competent and well-trained bus drivers who are licensed by the government of Israel. Sometimes this takes a lot more than the minimum number of lessons!"
"But we only pay for a maximum of 70 sessions including the theoretical course", exclaims Ronit, a Jewish Agency employee. "That's true! We, that is the Dan Bus Company, absorbs the rest," Yossi modestly interjects.
The theoretical portion of the course includes sessions on the rules and regulations of driving a bus. Other course components incorporate learning how the motor of the vehicle operates and how to fix minor problems that can occur on the road, map reading and a basic understanding of the geography of Israel, first-aid and CPR and how to react in case of a fire. There is even a basic course in English. Sadly, special sessions on what to do in the event of an act of terror have also become a standard part of the course.
In conclusion, Yossi shakes his head and adds with a sigh, "Life as a bus driver is hard. The hours are long and it's a real drag if you get caught in a traffic jam. Sometimes the passengers are, shall we say, a bit 'touchy'. You have to drive at nights - even Saturday nights when you want to be with your family. It's not easy."
Reuven sums it all up when he says, "In my opinion, I am responsible person who has a personality that is suited for bus driving. I used to drive a semi-trailer but that wasn't for me. As a general statement, I like people. I come from a culture that is respectful of others. I am tolerant, understanding and patient."
"You get a good feeling at the end of the day when you come home", Yossi says as he wraps things up. "Graduates of our course are driving on every Dan bus line in Tel-Aviv!"
Written by: Arnie Bendor
Photos by: Arnie BendorTo download this file as a word document, click here.
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