ARMY ENLISTMENT REQUIREMENTS

The military service law applies to:

1. Israeli citizens
2. Permanent residents of Israel
3. Israeli citizens who hold dual citizenship and reside abroad

Length of Service:
There are three critical factors in determining the length of army service:

1. Date of entry to Israel prior to making aliyah. This is relevant if the oleh spent over 120 days (cumulative) in a calendar year in Israel, and did not reside outside of Israel for at least two years prior to aliyah. If you spent one year on a “recognized academic program” it will not be counted against you.
2. Family status at the time of your enlistment to the IDF.
3. Physical profile – determined by the IDF - a medical examination is requested.

Example1: a 23 old married person makes aliyah, and has a child a week before his enlistment date. His army enlistment will be cancelled.
Example 2: a 21 year old tourist spent a year working on kibbutz (on a non-recognized program). Upon turning 22, he became an oleh. The army will calculate his length of service based on his date of entry to Israel at the age of 21.

Date of Enlistment:
The "First Notice" (“Tzav Rishon”) is sent within one year after making Aliyah. The enlistment date will be between 6-24 months after date of Aliyah based on the individuals request. If you are interested in starting the process earlier you may contact the IDF recruitment center – “Lishkat Hagiyus”.
Ezrachim Olim and Ktinim Chozrim should refer to the IDF recruitment center – “Lishkat Hagiyus” after their Aliyah in order to get a letter clarifying their army status. This letter is requested in order to issue a Teudat Zakaut from Misrad Haklita and for your final status to be recognized by the Customs Authority.
Tel Aviv, Tel Hashomer base – Shaar Kiroon - 03-738-8888

Jerusalem, Rashi 103 - 03-738-6666

Haifa, 12 Rechov Omar Kayam - 04-860-0700

Beer Sheva, 22 Rechov Yed Veshem - 08-629-8888

Tveria, Rechov Nazereth – 04-672-9888  

Please check the IDF web site for more information http://www.aka.idf.il/giyus/main/.

ARMY REQUIREMENTS FOR THOSE WHO MADE ALIYAH
AFTER JULY 1, 2006
(For enlistment requirements for those who made Aliyah before 1.7.06 – please check http://www.aka.idf.il/giyus/main/)

Reserve pool – “Maagar”: You may be called up for army service according to the IDF needs (mainly in war times).

* Doctors (male): If you make Aliyah up untill the age of 33, you are required to serve 18 months in the IDF.( this includes those who are married - and with children ) You will receive compensation as a permanent army staffer.

Dentists (male): If you make Aliyah by the age of 29, you are required to serve 18 months in the IDF. You will receive compensation as a permanent army staffer.
For more information on Chayalim Bodedim please visit http://www.nbn.org.il/rights/chayalim_bodedim.html or email Adina Bennett at adinab@nbn.org.il.

ARMY PROGRAMS:

Tzofim Garin Tzabar:
Tzofim Garin Tzabar is a group of young Jews, including children of Israelis, interested in returning to Israel to serve in the army. The Garin returns to Israel as a group, lives together on a kibbutz and serve in the army. For those who want to join the IDF (Israel Defense Forces), but are afraid to do it alone, Tzofim Garin Tzabar offers a support network for Hebrew speaking American young adults making that important choice. For more information about the program please check : http://www.chetz-vkeshet.org.il/scouts_garin.html

Nachal Haredi:
Nachal Haredi is a great alternative for religious soldiers who want to serve in a religious unit other than Hesder. The program is offered to religious men and consists of three years of army service; they serve in combat units for two years and spend an additional 12 months studying.  For a personal experience please read the article by Gigi Tover (NBN July 2004). For information, please call 03-6084506/7 or call Zuriel at 054-444-1997

Hesder:
The program is geared for religious Zionist young men who are interested in combining service in the IDF with learning in Yeshiva. Hesder is a five-year program where soldiers serve 16 months of active duty in the IDF and spend the remainder of the time studying in a Yeshiva.
For more information please refer to Association of Hesder Yeshivot: 972-2-620-9010 or by fax: 972-2-622-1743. Please visit the IDF web site http://www.aka.idf.il/giyus/general/?CatID=58211

Preparatory Army Programs:
There are three types of army preparatory programs ("mechinot"): religious, secular and mixed (religious and secular together).
The programs are for one year and place an emphasis on preparing yourself physically, emotionally and religiously for the army service.
If you would like to register for one of the Mechinot you must notify Lishkat Hagiyus no later than March since you will be deferring your enlistment date for a period of one year.
For a list of Mechinot please visit: http://www.aka.idf.il/giyus/general/?CatID=23072&DocID=25015
You may also call the "Agaf Bitchoni – Chevrati" of the Ministry of Defense at
03-608-4506 or 03-608-4521. 

Volunteer Programs:
Machal is a program that allows individuals to volunteer for the IDF prior to their Aliyah.  Their official website is under construction – please refer back to this page, which will be updated when their site is complete.  Mahal2000 is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping all those overseas residents who wish to volunteer for the IDF.  

If you have any questions please refer to adinab@nbn.org.il or zev@nbn.org.il