“Holding the Helm in the Heart of the Storm”: Principals’ Metaphors During Wartime

School principals play a pivotal role during wartime crises, balancing educational
continuity with policy interpretation and community needs. This study explores
how principals articulated their role during the October 7th war crisis through
metaphorical language. Based on 36 in-depth interviews with high school principals
across Israel, content analysis revealed three themes: principals as anchors of stability
(“lighthouse,” “supporting wall,” “home”); as protective mediators articulating
and framing policy in humane, clear, and accessible terms (“bridge,” “interpreter,”
“protective wall”); and as leaders navigating uncertainty (“storm,” “fog”). The findings
highlight metaphors as interpretive resources for sense-making and for articulating
emotional and relational dimensions of leadership, underscoring principals’ mediating
role during emergencies.